Songs of Praise for Organ by television music composer Herbert Chappell was commissioned by the BBC in 1980 as the signature theme for the long running television programme of the same name andcontinued to be used until the late 1980s.
This piece is lively toccata underpinned by a hymn-like melody and is suitable for organists of moderate abilities and may be used as a thrilling recital piece.
'I decidedit should be a lively toccata; this I underpinned with a broad-shouldered hymn-like melody, rather than a choral. It was recorded for television by Simon Preston at the organ of Christ Church, Oxford and quickly became somethingifa favourite with organists all around the world (possibly because it sounds impressively virtuostic and makes a lot of noise but is not that difficult to play). For example, it brought a spirited conclusion to the service thatcelebrated, with a pack congregation, the life of Dame Thora Hird, for so many years the presenter of the programme on BBC television.'
Herbet Chappell 29th September 2010
