Rhosymedre (rvw)

[Guest Andrew Butler]

This is one of my favourite organ pieces.

 

I would be interested to know who follows RVW's registrations to the letter, and who does their "own thing". Obviously, it depends on the instrument. eg at my own church I can do 16,8,4 small diaps in the central section, using general pistons and it sounds awfully muddy - but I've just played it at a funeral elsewhere where it would work (I've tried the combo before) but haven't worked out how to change the registration, of necessity by hand.

[Guest Andrew Butler]

Just bringing this to the "top of the pile" so it doesn't get lost/forgotten. I would welcome some input here please.

[Guest paul@trinitymusic.karoo.co.uk]

I always try to follow RVW's markings, but these do not always work in practice (any more than most composer's specific stop-directions). I certainly try to find some 16' on the manuals where marked (which gives an unfashionably warm and noble effect) and I always build towards a big(gish) diapason as the piece really opens out.

 

My most regular registration problem with Rhosymedre is that RVW wants his Great Flute to sound sufficiently prominently on the first page to bring out the LH melody and usually most 8' flutes aren't up to this without something else drawn alongside. I think what he had in mind was one of those quite powerful 8' Clarabella or Wald Flutes - an effect not unlike a French Horn in this register. This often leaves me coupling up a Gamba or using a small open diapason instead. A romantic clarinet would not sound out of place here, though I have never yet heard this tried. It's vital that the melody comes through enough, despite being in the middle of the texture. The RH part is attractive too, so don't let this be lost - I think is says Swell 8 & 4'?

 

As always, do what really works for you!

 

You can be assured: It is most unlikely that anyone will step up afterwards and tell you that you've done it wrong - least of all a RVW descendant.

[Guest Andrew Butler]

I always try to follow RVW's markings, but these do not always work in practice (any more than most composer's specific stop-directions).  I certainly try to find some 16' on the manuals where marked (which gives an unfashionaby warm and noble effect) and I always build towards a big(gish) diapason as the piece really opens out. 

 

My most regular registration problem with Rhosymedre is that RVW wants his Great Flute to sound sufficiently prominently on the first page to bring out the LH melody and usually most 8' flutes aren't up to this without something else drawn alongside.  I think what he had in mind was one of those quite powerful 8' Clarabella or Wald Flutes - an effect not unlike a French Horn in this register.  This often leaves me coupling up a Gamba or using a small open diapason instead.  A romantic clarinet would not sound out of place here, though I have never yet heard this tried. It's vital that the melody comes through enough, despite being in the middle of the texture.  The RH part is attractive too, so don't let this be lost - I think is says Swell 8 & 4'?

 

As always, do what really works for you!

 

thanks Paul - I agree, a stopped diap just doesn't work. i usually use a small open or even 8 4 flutes here. My problem in the middle section is taht RVW only specifies Great registration, and includes hairpins. How and where do you add the open, and as VW says "diminish" without pistons or a registrant?

 

You can be assured: It is most unlikely that anyone will step up afterwards and tell you that you've done it wrong - least of all a RVW descendant.

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