Improvisation.

Preliminary Recorded Round
(Recording to be received by 23 March 2007)

D BUXTEHUDE

Prelude Fugue and Ciacona in C, BuxWV137

and:

two contrasting improvisations:

1) On the following Ground Bass

 

The 8 bar phrase should repeat strictly, as the basis of a series of variations, (ie passacaglia) lasting between 4 and 5 minutes. The theme should repeat end to end. Although it need not always be in the bass line, it must be clearly present throughout the improvisation.

 

2) Using the following

 

as the basis of a sonata form movement, with both themes being derived from it. The movement should last between 4 and 6 minutes. Imaginative development of the theme(s) is expected.

The two improvisations should form contrasting movements in order to allow the jury to hear a range of the candidate's abilities.

The themes must be played through once before the improvisations begin.

 

Semi-Final Round (16 and 17 July 2007)
on the Collins organ at St Saviour's Church, St Albans

Two separate improvisations will be required in specified baroque styles (French and Northern European) on given themes, one of which will be a plainsong theme, and the candidates should be prepared to improvise in fugal style. The total improvisation time allowed will be 20 minutes.

The themes will be handed to competitors 30 minutes before their allotted performance time. Candidates will have the use of a piano or keyboard during this period.

on the Mander organ at St Peter's Church, St Albans

An improvisation on a given literary text - 15 minutes

The text will be supplied at the time of Registration in St Albans.

 

Final Round (20 July 2007)
on the Harrison and Harrison organ at St Albans Cathedral
Improvisations on given themes - 20 minutes
The themes will be handed to competitors 40 minutes before their allotted performance time. Candidates will have the use of a piano or keyboard during this period.

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