Christmas Suite

In this suite of four Christmas songs written in 1950, Rowley’s Organizing principle is dance rhythm. The first movement sets The Holly and The Ivy in a lilting 6/8 Sicilian rhythm. The second movement combines The Holly and The Ivy with The Cherry Tree Carol in a sharply contrasting minuet. The third movement fughetta setting of The Little Room gives the dancers a breather before the fourth movement’s bourrée setting for On Christmas Night and The Moon Shines Bright.Twentieth century British composer Alec Rowley was also an Organist, pianist and dedicated teacher. Many of his compositions are miniatures and works appropriate for amateur musicians, though he also gained renownthrough his large-scale works performed at the Promenade Concerts and elsewhere.