Ralph Vaughan Williams: Rhosymedre

English composer and folk-song collector, Ralph Vaughan Williams's choral prelude on the hymn tune "Rhosymedre" is his best-loved work for organ.
Christ Church Cathedral's Director of Music, Donald Hunt, offers this performance in memory of John Fryer, former organist of Bromsgrove Parish Church, St Mary's Ilmington, St. James' Chipping Campden and other churches in Kampala, Uganda.
John died in November 2020, aged 90. His daughter, Sarah Fryer, also a professional singer, is a member of our extended cathedral family, being a teacher at Christ Church Cathedral School.

[@DonaldJacobson-h4t]

Heavenly interpretation. Truly divine. ✝️🙏

[@wvangalen]

Ah, that's just beautiful, Donald. Thank you ever so much for that lovely rendition!

[@marlenemeldrum7382]

WONDERFUL INTERPRETATION ...Just beautifully played with an inner tranquility....straight forward and on Point ... thank you so very much.... greetings from Germany ....

[@olgam601]

It sounds divine, thank you very much.

[@wmfmc]

Lovely rendering of this inspired chorale prelude. I loved to play this before arthritis drove me from the bench! Such a comfort to enjoy it rendered by supple, talented hands!

[@JohnProthero]

One of RVW's most gorgeous works, played beautifully and with sensitivity.

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Mr Hunt's performance was outstanding, he simply played the composer's work as written simple, sweet, and lovely.

[@coloraturaElise]

This organ sounds wonderful!

[@OWOT-re5jf]

Talent and coolness define this organist

[@ChristChurchCathedralVictoria]

Thank you, Owot1966! - Donald

[@bubbadon7540]

I'm just nuts about this arrangement.

[@LaurieWilliams-lk8fc]

Most performances of this are ruined by rushing within phrases and pretentious pauses. This has some slight unnecessary pauses, even at points where no change to registration or manual is being done, but much of the rhythm and flow of this are really lovely, unpretentious, almost simple, superbly done. Should have done it again with the wrong notes corrected though. Reminds me of the best performance of the Gigout toccata I found on YT a few years ago - apart from one wrong note, a real clanger.