Ian Higginson, a composer, conductor, organist and teacher living and working in Gloucestershire UK, has released a new book of organ music. Christmas Organ Sound Colours Vol 1 is an organ publication from Parish Publications and now available to purchase as a physical copy or digital download.
Ian Higginson has previously published other books in the sound colour series, which we wrote about on our blog a couple of years ago. So far, Organ Sound Colours Vol. 1 and Piano Sound Colours Vol 1, have been published. Both available from Banks Music Publishing as physical copies or as downloads.
Christmas Organ Sound Colours Volume 1
Christmas Organ Sound Colours is a diverse, contrasting and useful collection of seasonal pieces of varying levels of difficulty (approximately grades 4- 8), which can be used for either services or recitals at an appropriate festive time of year. The book is dedicated to Peter Thompson, Assistant Organist of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, and Archdeacon of Armagh.
Christmas Organ Sound Colours Vol 1 is now available to purchase as a physical copy or digital download from Parish Publications.
Price: Physical copy £15 GBP Plus P&P
Price: Digital Download – £10 GBP
Listen to recordings by Jonathan Kingston
Click on the links below to listen to the recordings (all external links to Parish Publications).
Note that most pieces listed below have been recorded in their entirety by Jonathan Kingston, apart from the Postlude on ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’, which only contains the final section of the piece.
Postlude on ‘God Rest You Merry Gentlemen’ – Ian Higginson
Prelude on ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ – Ian Higginson
Fantasia on ‘The Coventry Carol’ – Ian Higginson
Fugato on In Dulci Jubilo’ – Ian Higginson
Interlude on ‘The Holly and the Ivy – Ian Higginson
Toccata on ‘O Come all Ye Faithful – Ian Higginson
Jonathan Kingston says this about the Christmas Collection
It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to play Ian’s latest Christmas Collection which will be a valuable addition to any organist who wishes to expand their repertoire during the festive season. Ian’s pieces are harmonically adventurous, satisfying to perform and above all, engaging to listen to. I commend them to you!
More about Ian Higginson
Ian Higginson (b. 1959) was born on the Wirral Merseyside, England and moved to Gloucestershire in 1983.
His tutors have included Melville Cook, David Willcocks, Jonathan Delmar, David Saint, Ian Tracey, and John Scott. Ian holds a number of fellowship diplomas from various music establishments, plus a doctorate in composition.
His positions have included University Organist & Director of Music for the University of Gloucestershire, School Organist & tutor in organ & piano for St. Edward’s School Cheltenham, Organist and Assistant Director of Music for the Cathedral Singers of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford and Tutor in Piano at Sir William Romney School, Tetbury and conductor to Jubilate Chamber Choir, Cheltenham and Cirencester Philharmonia.
Ian is active as an organist, conductor, accompanist, examiner and music teacher. He is also in much demand as a composer and has written numerous choral, organ and instrumental works that have been widely performed & published in the UK and the USA.
Ian has composed many commissioned pieces for cathedral and church choirs, school choirs, youth choirs and choral societies throughout the UK and he is always delighted to accept commissions from either individuals or musical organisations.
Ian always tailors his commissioned compositions regarding style, length and ability to suit the individuals or choirs needs to bring out the very best in performances.
For further information, please visit Parish Publications (Publishers of Ian’s Music) or contact Ian through his website Ian Higginson Musician.
I have had a passion for church organs since the tender age of 12. I own and run Viscount Organs with a close attention to the detail that musicians appreciate; and a clear understanding of the benefits of digital technology and keeping to the traditional and emotional elements of organ playing.
