Rich in allusion and fertile in creativity: the organ works of Ethel Smyth

Ethel Smyth created an oeuvre that is filled with gripping essays in every form, from opera to piano miniatures.  Her organ works form a small part of her list of compositions, but still reflect many facets of her life. Richard Moore analyses the sources and structures in Smyth's organ compositions in relation to her social and professional relationships, and examines the influence on her writing of Bach, Brahms and Reger, as well as teacher Walter Parratt.

This article first appeared in the RCO Journal for 2025.

 

 

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