Recital: Geoff Howells – organ

The Programme

Geoff Howells – organ

Clavier-Übung III
Prelude and Fugue in E flat ‘pro organo pleno’, BWV 552

Spiegel im Spiegel

Variations on a theme of Clément Jannequin, JA 118

Le jardin suspendu, JA 71

Litanies, JA 119

The Artist

Based in South Wales, Geoff Howells divides his time between playing organ music (Bach, earlier composers and, wherever possible, the work of living musicians), directing his ensemble, Wild Call, and writing his own music – often for this ensemble to sing and play. The music of Bach is at the heart of all of Geoff’s playing but he also eagerly seeks out new and little played repertoire – particularly that written by living composers.

In his own writing the aim is to keep things clear and simple, using the basic elements of silence and sound, sparse chords, modes, plainsong, folksong, the blues. The music is not ‘academic’ and finds no place in any particular genre or classification but he is drawn to the space, freedom to improvise and reflectiveness in much non-European music.

Geoff has given many recitals in St Bride’s and much loves making music in this wonderful venue.