“Herbert Howells - Echoes of a Lifetime”: BBC radio documentary 1982

This programme, originally broadcast on Howells’ 90th birthday, 17 October 1982, was repeated after his death the following year. In it, Robert Prizeman explores the composer’s life and work.

[@cnsedgwick]

Thanks for posting this. It is true that composers like HH are misunderstood and do not get their due recognition.

[@richardsedding8444]

I was so delighted to meet HH at Lincoln cathedral when a chorister in 1975. His music is so distinctive, with such rich harmonies. I never tire of listening to Howells' music. Thank you for posting.

[@jeannedelamare439]

Some of the most sublime church music ever written.

[@viviancrawford6395]

Vivian Crawford- Jamaica: Thank you. I was at his Memorial Service in Westminster Abbey 1983.RIP.

[@keithsparrow7717]

I was also there, quite by chance - I was going past the Abbey and saw the service was about to happen.. Also attended an RSCM composition workshop at which he was one of the tutors (but can't pretend to have 'met' him in doing so!). Always like playing his Psalm Preludes, and his Sonatina for piano is very characteristic

[@Cinemadamenic]

7:41 Concerto for string orchestra, second movement.
Thank you very much indeed for this upload!

[@grahamwyatt7056]

Fantastic - thank you! Love the rehearsal clips of Missa Sabrinensis too - makes me want to hear the whole thing.

[@Cinemadamenic]

A recording of the performance under David Willcocks in 1982 has just surfaced on TH-cam: th-cam.com/video/peXnHBkl0_g/w-d-xo.html. I think the moment they are rehearsing (in the Agnus Dei) is after 1 h 6' 20" th-cam.com/video/peXnHBkl0_g/w-d-xo.html.

[@brianwilson49]

nice to hear Barry rose's contribution.

[@Cinemadamenic]

Thank you for this!

[@choirboyfromhell1]

Lovely. Thanks for sharing.

[@Utoobtime27]

Can anyone identify the commentator at 30'55" who makes the analogy of Howells as a medieval craftsman?

[@gabrielrice3343]

It is Sir David Willcocks!
Spicer (1998). Howells. p. 13

[@martinward3832]

Piece at 34:40 is 'Paean' from six pieces for organ

[@sterlingsingleton6326]

Can anyone name the piece played at 34:40? Thanks

[@quiretenor]

Psalm-Prelude Set 2, No. 3

[@tomba1937]

It's number 3 of set 2: "Three Psalm Preludes for Organ".