Toccata-Fantasy on a Medieval Welsh Carol (2007)
Harry Lyn Huff, organ
Duration: 6.25 min.
Dedication: for Edward Elwyn Jones and Amanda Forsythe
Publisher: Wayne Leupold Editions, Inc. in "Carson Cooman: Organ Music, Vol. 6"
Toccata-Fantasy on a Medieval Welsh Carol (2007) for organ was composed for organist and conductor Edward Elwyn Jones and is dedicated to him and Amanda Forsythe. This festive organ work is based upon a carol melody believed to be the earliest surviving Christmas carol from Wales—Ar Fore Dydd Nadolig (On Christmas Day), which dates from the late 15th or early 16th century. This modal melody moves back and forth through a series of notes, creating a festive character inspired by bell sounds. After a dramatic introduction quoting the tune, the full melody is presented in a “Medieval” manner, over the top of a festive musette accompaniment. This section builds strength through a series of variants based on bell sounds.mThe carol melody is then turned into a triple-meter dance (an updated estampie), leaping through various tonal centers before the carol is presented in a vibrant toccata. The coda again evokes the pealing of bells in celebration.