Journal Article

Herbert Howells in America: Three Commissions

Sargent, Joseph

2017

Overview

Three performances of choral music by Herbert Howells occurred in New York in a span of two weeks, one each by the Trinity Choir, the choir and orchestra of St. Ignatius Loyola, and the St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys. These commissions present a working outline of how Americans - or at least Episcopalians - came to be familiar with Howells' music. From the 1940s to the 1960s, a gradual awareness of Howells' church music took place, first for organ and then for chorus and organ, through performances in concerts and increasingly in liturgies. American commissions from the 1960s and 1970s demonstrate, both directly and indirectly, a deeper engagement with Howells' music in frequency of performance, diversity of repertory, and familiarity with his compositional style. Central to all the commissions is the importance of individual advocates raising awareness of Howells' music. However, interest in Howells has yet to penetrate many corners of American musical life. Howells essentially remains a niche composer, whose work continues to deserve more widespread attention in America.

• Publisher: American Choral Foundation Inc
• Subject: Choirs / Classical music / Composers / Familiarity / Howells, Herbert / Music / Musical performances / Organ music / Studies / Vocal music