This is the first of three 'Cathedral preludes' by Basil Harwood, who was organist at Ely Cathedral and Christchurch, Oxford during his long career.
He is best known for his liturgical works, the setting of all the canticles and a mass in A flat and his anthem O how glorious for All Saints. However he wrote a huge amount of organ music, mostly quite complex and often dedicated to another cathedral organist.
This piece starts off gently on the solo clarinet accompanied by light swell. The texture and volume build to a climax three times over the next section before a repeat of the opening material. Listen out at the end for Sw 16ft fagotto played up the octave. This is an original untouched stop, apart from its move between departments of the organ.
Performed on the organ of Carlisle Cathedral
