William Mathias Catalogue

William Mathias 

Catalogue

William Mathias 

William Mathias was born in Whitland, Dyfed in 

1934 and died in 1992. He began to compose at an 

early age, studying first at the University College of 

Wales, Aberystwyth, taking his BMus with first-class 

honours, and subsequently on an Open Scholarship in 

composition at the Royal Academy of Music. He was 

elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music in 1965, 

and gained the DMus of the University of Wales in 1966. 

In 1968 he was awarded the Bax Society Prize under the 

Harriet Cohen International Music Awards, and in 1981 

the John Edwards Memorial Award. From 1970-1988 

he was Professor and Head of the Music Department at 

the University College of North Wales, Bangor. He was 

known as a conductor and pianist, and gave or directed 

many premières of his own works. In 1972 he founded 

the North Wales Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral 

and remained its artistic director until his death. 

A house composer with Oxford University Press since 

1961, his compositions cover an extraordinarily wide 

range. Early success include the Clarinet Sonatina 

at the 1957 Cheltenham Festival (followed within a 

year by broadcasts in France and Poland), and the 

Divertimento for String Orchestra which, following its 

London première, was quickly taken up as far afield as 

Prague and California. He has made a highly significant 

contribution to twentieth-century organ music, and his 

church music and carols are still regularly performed 

worldwide. Works such as the Symphonies, Clarinet 

Concerto, Harp Concerto, Improvisations for Harp, Laudi, 

Piano Concerto No.3, Ave Rex, Riddles and This Worlde’s 

Joie have entered the repertory; the Organ Concerto 

scored a great success in the 1984 BBC Proms, and Lux 

Aeterna has been hailed as one of the finest British 

choral/orchestral works this century. 

Mathias’ musical language embraced both instrumental 

and vocal forms with equal success, and he addressed a 

large and varied audience both in Britain and abroad. He 

was awarded an Honorary DMus by Westminster Choir 

College, Princeton in 1987 and he was made CBE in the 

1985 New Year’s Honours. In 1992, the year of his death, 

Nimbus Records embarked upon a series of recordings 

of his major works. 

2

Anniversary Dances 

Full orchestra 

3 fl (III+ picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, cbn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, 

timp, 3 perc (SD, bell, BD, tamb, cym, clash cym, tri, 

glock, tam, bongo, cas, w blk), hp or cel, str 

Hire score and parts 9780193655577 

This work was composed in celebration of the Centenary 

of the founding of the University College of North Wales, 

Bangor. It consists of a Prelude, Five Dances, and Finale. 

The opening Prelude, with its dancing brass fanfares, 

leads without a break to the first Dance which is lively and 

vigorous, followed by the second Dance, which is slow and 

mesmeric. Dance No.3, marked Vivace, has strong hints 

of parody, even to the momentary use of castanets, while 

No.4 (Allegro scherzando) is spiky and edgy in its use of 

woodwind and muted brass. No.5 (Andante cantabile) 

is warm and Celtic in mood, featuring a broad-spanned 

melody first heard in the horns. The Finale, and coda 

redeploy and develop the music of the work’s opening. 

There are no direct folk-song quotations but the Dances 

are linked in musical terms, allowing the work to form a 

kind of Dance Ceremony for orchestra. 

23 minutes 

Carnival of Wales 


3 fl (III+picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, cbn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, 

timp, 3 perc (SD, clash cym, tri, TD, tam, xylo, glock, bell, 

BD, tamb, sus cym, crotales), hp, cel, str 


Based on Welsh folk songs, this work was commissioned for 

the last night of the 1987 Welsh Proms in association with 

the Welsh Arts Council. It is an ideal closing item for any 

festive or celebratory concert. 

26 minutes 

Orchestral 

Celtic Dances 


2 fl (II+picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn 

(III+btbn), tba (opt), timp, 3 perc (tam, bell, glock, sus 

cym, SD, tri, TD, clash cym, tamb, tabor, BD, w blk), 

cel, hp, str 


Study score* 9780193655720 

Completed in 1972, Celtic Dances opens with a mysterious 

Allegro vivace, developing from a flowing quaver motif 

into the first dance theme. This is followed by the Allegro 

leggiero with descending melodic theme, which proceeds 

an altogether more regal Andante con moto. The work 

ends with a fast paced and rhythmic Allegro con slancio in 

dramatic fashion. 

*Available from June Emerson Wind Music 

14 minutes 

Concerto for Orchestra 


3 fl (III+picc), 3 ob, 3 cl, 3 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, timp, 

4 perc (clash cym, SD, BD, tamb, xylo, TD, w blk, tam, cel, 

sus cym, tam, tri, tamb, tbells, glock), hp, str 


This three-movement work was premiered by the Royal 

Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 1966. It is typical 

of Mathias’s highly rhythmic and vivacious style, with 

virtuosic melodic lines dancing round this highly animated 

score. 

22 minutes 

Dance Overture 


2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, timp, 4 perc 

(glock, bell, SD, tamb, tri, w blk, clash cym, gong, sus 

cym), cel, str 


Study score* 9780193655805 

This Overture was commissioned by the 1962 Royal 

National Eisteddfod of Wales, where it was first performed 

by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Direct and lighthearted 

in character, the music makes extensive use of 

popular (particularly Latin-American) dance rhythms. 

There are three main ideas; two of these are basically 

canonic or imitative by nature, and are furthermore heard 

simultaneously in the compressed recapitulation section. 


6 minutes 

Orchestral 

3

Orchestral 

arr. Philip Lane 

Divertissement 


Score and parts* 9780193657175 

*Available from Good Music Publishers 

Festival Overture 


2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, perc (bell, 

tamb, SD, tamb, BD, clash cym, sus cym, ), hp, str 


Festival Overture was written in 1969 for the 

Caernavonshire Youth Orchestra. 

8 minutes 

In Arcadia 


3 fl (III+picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 3 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, timp, 

perc (tubaphone (or glock), bells, vib, SD, tamb, cym, sus 

cym, w blk, tri, whip, tam, BD), cel, hp, str 


Study score* 9780193655928 

This piece was commissioned by the Alumni Association of 

the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth to celebrate 

its 100th Anniversary Year. Mathias has used the occasion 

to write a work which meditates on the nature of Time. 

In Arcadia is entirely based on a short carol written by 

the composer in 1954 when he was himself a student at 

Aberystwyth. The concept of `arcadia’ is symbolic of eternal 

youth, innocence, and joy. 

18 minutes 

Helios 


2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, perc (BD, tam, 

cym, sus cym, 3 w blk, 3 small dr, SD, whip, glock, vib, 

mba, crotales, tbell), hp, str 


Helios was commissioned, in association with the Welsh 

Arts Council, by the Llandaff Festival. This work was more 

than partly inspired by a visit to Greece made by Mathias 

during the summer of 1975 – ‘Helios’ was the sun-god of 

Greek mythology. The transparency and translucence of 

Greek landscapes and sea-scapes had an effect on the 

scoring, and although there are no folk-song quotations, 

Greek dance rhythms are sometimes invoked. The work 

has much to do with the transformation into sound of 

a recollected experience. There is also the concept of a 

journey beginning in darkness and closing in the memory 

of light. 

16 minutes 

Holiday Overture 


2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, timp, 3 perc (SD, 

w blk, BD, tam, cym, Chinese blk, tri, tamb, glock, vib, 

claves, bongos, marac), pn, cel, hp, str 


Holiday Overture was commissioned by the BBC in 

association with the Welsh Arts Council. It was first 

performed the BBC Welsh Orchestra in September of 1971. 

16 minutes 

Invocation and Dance 



(clash cym, BD, SD, sus cym, tri, tamb, gong), hp, str 


Invocation and Dance was commissioned by the Cardiff St. 

David’s Day Festival in 1962. The Invocation draws Mathias’s 

‘unmistakable Welsh qualities to the fore, with its folk-like 

Dorian melody heard in the oboe’. The work is recorded 

by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David 

Atherton on Decca SLX 6607. 

12 minutes 


Jubilee Dances 


2 fl (picc), 2 ob (cor ang), 2 cl (bss cl), 2 bn 

4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, perc (bd, sd, cym, tri, tamb, tub 

bls, tam-tam, whip, glock, xylo) cel (opt), hrp, str 


This work, originally written as Vivat Regina for the Silver 

Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, was scored for brass 

band. This arrangement by Philip Lane skilfully crafts the 

work for full orchestra. 


8 minutes 

4

Laudi 


2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, cbn, 4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, 3 perc 

(glock, vib, bells, SD, MD, tri, w blk, sus cym, clash cym, 

timbale, bongos (mid to high), whip, tam), pn (+cel), str 


Study score* 9780193656611 

Laudi was first performed at the Llandaff Festival in June 

1977, dedicated to the artistic director of festival, the late 

Christopher Cory. The opening flourish, glittering with 

percussive bell-like sonorities, underlines its sense of 

ritual and praises. The initial gestures give way to a central 

section of contemplation before a rhythmically exhilarating 

ride leads to an expectant climax. The work is recorded 

by the New Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by David 

Atherton on Argo ZRG 882. 


14 minutes 

Litanies 


2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, cbn, 3 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, 2 perc 

(TD, SD, BD, cym, tam, w blk, glock, xylo, vib, tbell), hp, 

pn/cel, str 


Commissioned by the BBC in Wales in 1967, Litanies is a 

concertante for orchestra in twenty-seven sections. The 

work was dedicated to the composer’s father. 

14 minutes 


Parisian Suite 

2 fl (picc), 2 ob (cor ang), 2 cl (bss cl & alto sax), 2 bn (cnt 

bsn), 4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, timp, perc (bd, sd, cym, tri, 

glock) hrp, str 


Mathias composed his Suite Parisienne for two pianos in 

September 1953 when he was 18 years old. Just before his 

death in 1992, he rediscovered this early piece and revised 

it for publication. Philip Lane’s orchestration is based upon 

this revised version. 

En voyage · Promenade · Montmartre 


7.5 minutes 


Processional 


2 fl (picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, tba (opt), 

timp, perc (tri, sd drm, claves, glock, xylo) hrp, str 


This work was originally conceived for organ and published 

in 1965. Like so much music for organ, it has inherent 

orchestral possibilities which have been brought out in this 

arrangement by Philip Lane. 


3.5 minutes 

Requiescat 


2 fl (II+picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, 2 perc 

(vib, sus cy, glock, tbells), cel, hp, str 


Study score* 9780193656741 

Requiescat was composed in 1977 and dedicated ‘In 

Memoriam Sir Ben Bowen Thomas’, a key founder of the 

North Wales Music Festival. The largely elegiac character 

of Requiescat is implicit in the title, and the music unfolds 

in broad lyrical paragraphs, developing inexorably 

towards a powerful climax. This subsides, descending 

sequentially to a recapitulation (in varied form) of the 

opening melodic strand of the work, and merges into the 

enveloping harmonic stasis with which the work comes 

to its suspended conclusion. Under the final page Mathias 

quotes a line from Sir Thomas Browne - ‘And the slumber of 

the body seems to be but the waking of the soul’. 


10 minutes 

Orchestral 

5

Orchestral 

Serenade for Small Orchestra 


2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, bn (opt), 2 hn, 2 tpt, 2 tbn, timp, perc 

(tamb, tri, SD, BD, sus cym, clash cym)(opt), hp, str 


Serenade for Small Orchestra was composed for 

Carmarthenshire Youth Orchestra in 1961. The first 

movement makes predominant use of the harp, ending 

with a compressed recapitulation where the tunes that 

form the first and second subjects are super imposed. The 

second movement has the flavour of a folksong, and ends 

with a playful and dance-like Rondo finale. 

Allegretto · Lento, ma con molto · Allegro con slancio 

8 minutes 

Sinfonietta 


2 fl (II+picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, 2 perc 

(cym, BD, SD, tri, tamb, blk, gong, glock, xylo, vib), pn 

(+cel), str 


Sinfonietta was commissioned for the 1967 Leicestershire 

County Music Festival. The work in three movements was 

originally titled Dance Suite, and opens with a lively Allegro 

no troppo - Vivace, followed by a lyrical Lento con molto 

with folk-like interweaving woodwind melodies. The final 

movement, Allegro con slancio, is typical of Mathias’s highly 

rhythmic dance-like style. 

12 minutes 

Symphony No. 1 



timp, 3 perc (SD, cym, BD, tri, tamb, gong (tam), w blk, 

glock, xylo, tom, bells), hp, cel, pn, str 


Study score* 9780193656475 

Commissioned by the Llandaff Festival in 1966, the musical 

language throughout is described by the composer as 

being ‘firmly tonal’. The first movement opens with an 

initial idea containing a number of contrasted segments 

forming the fist subject. The second group of ideas divides 

into two main themes, before moving into a slower and 

quieter development section. The following Scherzo is 

rhythmically strong with bold use of percussion. The 

proceeding slow movement is relatively static in effect, 

constantly changing colour and timbre, with something of 

an improvisatory character. With a brass flourish the Rondo 

commences, drawing together three musical statements 

separated by contrasting episodes, leading to the final 

coda. 

Allegro moderato · Vivace · Molto adagio, sempre flessible · 

Largamente - Allegro con brio 


30 minutes 

Symphony No. 2 (Summer Music) 



timp, 4 perc (BD, 2 tam, tbell, bell tree, 3 sus cym, 2 SD, 

claves, clash cym, glock, tamb, vib, crotales, TD, ), hp, cel, 

pn, str 


Study score* 9780193656499 

Mathias’s Second Symphony was commissioned by the 

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, and is divided into 

three movements. Aestiva Regio (Summer Region) opens 

with a slow swirling which emerges into a processional, 

interrupted by occasional fanfares. After a gentle wind 

invocation, A’m gwlad gysefin yw bro sêr hefin or My original 

country is the region of the summer stars unfolds with a 

stream of poetic lyricism that refers back to Taliesin’s 

Legend, which builds inexorably and passionately to a 

series of heroic symbolic fanfares. The final movement is 

based upon a section of prose by Dylan Thomas, surging 

forth with a blaze of sound and energy. With a jazzy 

pulse and proliferating counter tunes, ideas are fleetingly 

recapitulated before the work ends with an exhilarating 

final fanfare. 


28 minutes 

6

Symphony No. 3 


3 fl (III+picc), 3 ob (III+ca), 3 cl (III+bcl), 2 bn, cbn, 4 hn, 

3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, timp, 3 perc (SD, tri, tamb, w blk, cym, 

tam, vib, xylo, BD, bells, glock, crotales, bongo), cel, pn, 

hp, str 


Study score* 9780193656512 

Premiered by the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra in 1991, 

Mathias’s third Symphony opens with four interlocking 

ideas upon which the entire work is based. Throughout the 

opening movement, these ideas are repeated and varied, 

building to the first major climax of the piece. The slow 

movement momentarily resolves the unease with a flowing 

melody, eventually forming an elegy which is echoed 

between the winds and strings. This echo is interrupted by 

hieratic fanfares, with virtuosic flourishes building towards 

the final movement. The Symphony ends with a fierce 

surge of energy, defiant with a powerful final word. 

Allegro moderato · Lento appassionato · Allegro non 

troppo, e risoluto - Allegro vivace 


35 minutes 

Vistas 



(glock, vib, 2 SD, clash cym, 2 sus cym, whip, w blk, 

claves, tamb, bongos, tam, crotale), pn (+cel), hp, str 


Study score* 9780193656635 

Vistas was commissioned by The Swansea Festival 1975, 

with the first performance given at the festival by The 

BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gaetano 

Delogu. The work is recorded by the New Philharmonia 

Orchestra, conducted by David Atherton on Argo ZRG 882. 


17 minutes 

Solo Instrument & Orchestra 

Concerto for Clarinet 

Solo clarinet, string orchestra & percussion 

cl solo, perc (glock, vib, 2 roto-toms (med and high), sus 

jazz cym), str 


Study score* 9780193655744 

Clarinet and piano score* 9780193655775 

This three-movement clarinet concerto is scored for solo 

clarinet, strings and percussion. The first performance 

was given at the 1975 North Wales Music Festival by the 

BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra with clarinetist Gervase 

de Peyer. Although the virtuoso clarinet part is extremely 

demanding, the percussion is used only sparingly to add 

atmosphere to the musical texture. In the first movement 

a quiet vibraphone supports the lyrical second tune, 

and a solo suspended cymbal, playing jazz rhythms, 

accompanies the clarinet in the last movement cadenza. 


18 minutes 

Concerto for Flute 

Solo flute & string orchestra 


Flute and piano score* 9780193655942 

The work’s three movements are strongly contrasted. 

The first movement draws on the flute’s capacity for 

gracefulness and poise, whilst movement 2 is a study in 

far more intense and even tragic emotions. The concerto’s 

rhythmic and bustling finale highlights the flute’s capacity 

for display. 

Allegretto grazioso · Lento molto · Allegro molto vivace 


14 minutes 


7


Concerto for Harp 

Solo harp & chamber orchestra 

fl, ob, cl, bn, hn, tpt, timp, 2 perc (SD, cym, BD, tri, tam, 

glock, xylo, vib, 2 timbles (med and high), tamb, w blk), 

cel, str (solo harp) 


Study score* 9780193655881 

Dedicated to Welsh harpist Osian Ellis, Mathias’s Concerto 

for Harp was premiered at The Llandaff Festival in 1970. The 

music throughout is ‘strongly connected to the land and 

seascapes of South West Wales’, where the concerto was 

composed. The opening Moderato begins with a summons 

by bells, and the harp enters over gently undulating strings 

before exploring two contrasting ideas - one of great 

rhythmic energy, the other flowing and lyrical. The second 

movement Adagio appassionato, sempre flessibile is more 

elegiac in tone, with the composer describing it as an 

exploration of the ‘landscape of the mind’. The final Allegro 

vivo is a return to a joyful and folk-dance style. 


25 minutes 

Concerto for Harpsichord 

Solo harpischord, string orchestra & percussion/ 

string quintet 

hpd solo, perc (mar, bongos, w blk (high and med), sus 

cym, vib, glock, SD, tri), str (quintet or string orchestra) 


Commissioned by the 1971 Fishguard Festival in 

association with the Welsh Arts Council, the opening 

Toccata explores a number of ideas which are partially 

re-stated following a contrasted central section. The 

central Aria has a prominent obligato part for vibraphone; 

the music develops to a climax of expressive intensity 

afterwards closing in the contemplative mood of the 

opening. The final Capriccio is a lively dance-like movement 

giving full play to much varied writing for harpsichord and 

to the various textural combinations inherent in the work 

as a whole. 

18 minutes 

Concerto for Horn 

Solo horn, string orchestra & timpani 


Horn and piano score* 9780193656864 

Commissioned by the Llandaff Festival in association with 

the Welsh Arts Council, this work was first performed 

in St David’s Hall, Cardiff, on 9 June 1984 by Hugh Potts 

(to whom it is dedicated) and the Northern Sinfonia 

conducted by Richard Hickox. The opening Prelude 

exhibits both the declamatory and lyrical qualities of the 

horn, and the succeeding Scherzo, its capacity to play at 

speed. The Nocturne is the most deeply felt movements, 

and the final Capriccio is both capricious and rhythmic. 


20 minutes 

Concerto for Oboe 

Solo oboe & string orchestra 


Oboe and piano score* 9780193656895 

The first movement is tautly argued, and its material is 

drawn almost entirely from the opening string chords 

and following oboe tune. The central Adagio is a deeply 

expressive slow movement drawing on the oboe’s inherent 

melodic qualities. The rhythmic finale finds the oboe in a 

more dance-like mood, and there is a cadenza before the 

coda brings the music to a decisive close. 

Allegro non troppo · Adagio espressivo · Vivace 


18 minutes 

Concerto for Organ 

Solo organ & full orchestra 

org solo, 2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 6 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, 3 perc 

(SD, TD, BD, cym, sus cym, tam, tamb, tri, bells, w blk, 

glock, crotale, vib), cel, hp, str 


Solo organ part* 9780193656871 

Study score* 

This concerto was premiered by the BBC Welsh Symphony 

Orchestra and Gillian Weir in 1984, and is divided into 

fifteen variational sections based on the concept of the 

fourteen Stations of the Cross followed by an extended Et 

resurrexit finale. It is designed as a large-scale, dramatic/ 

musical structure with a dominating virtuoso part for 

the organ. The work’s basic material is freely derived 

from a fourteen note idea first heard in the organ pedals. 

These notes in sequence also form the tonal centres of 

the fourteen variations, with the finale resolving on to G. 

*Available from Banks Music Publications 

28 minutes 

Concerto for Piano No. 1 

Solo piano & full orchestra 

pn solo, 2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, perc 

(SD, BD, cym, tamb, glock, xylo), str 


Mathias’s first Piano Concerto was originally composed in 

1955, and later revised in 1992. The first movement entitled 

Allegro opens with bold, highly syncopated rhythms before 

progressing into a more intimate and expressive section. 

The following Lento presents a more inward contemplation 

of the earlier ideas, before the final Allegro molto vivace. 

23 minutes 

8



pn solo, 2 fl (II+picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, b 

tbn, tba, timp, 3 perc (BD, tamb, cym, SD, tri, blk), cel, str 


A work in four movements: the first in toccata style, the 

second a brisk scherzo. The third is a highly elaborate and 

dramatic slow movement, and the finale is full of rhythmic 

energy and forcefulness. 

Allegro non troppo · Allegro appasionato · Andante · 

Allegretto grazioso 

23 minutes 



pn solo, 2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, 

timp, 3 perc (SD, BD, cym, tri, tamb, w blk, TD, tam, 

glock, xylo, vib, large tom, 2 timbles, bongos), cel, 

str 


This concerto was commissioned by the 1968 Swansea 

Festival. The opening Allegro energico is in full sonata 

form with the first subject, introduced by a brass fanfare, 

featuring rumba rhythms on the piano, strings and 

percussion, while the second subject is slower and calmer 

in nature. The central movement conjures images of 

mystery, before a toccata-like Vivace briefly erupts, and 

then returns to the atmospheric textures heard earlier. 

The finale is in a lively 6/8 time, with intricate virtuosic 

figures for the soloist being accompanied by blazing brass 

interjections and melodic tangents. 

Allegro energico · Adagio - Vivace - Adagio · Allegro con 

brio 

23 minutes 

Concerto for Violin 

Solo violin & full orchestra 

vln solo, 2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn (3rd+cbn) 4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, 

timp, 2 perc (SD, tamb, cym, tri, tubaphone or glock, 

crotales, BD, bells, w blk, vib, whip, tam), cel, hp, str 


Violin and piano score* 9780193656918 

This is one of the composer’s last works, and is a heady 

celebration of song and dance, in four movements which 

are strongly contrasted yet highly integrated. Over a gentle 

background the violin sings a soaring melody which acts 

as a tranquil mandala for the opening Molto moderato - a 

point of departure and return. The second movement, 

Molto vivace, strikes a lively, hypnotic dance against a jazzy 

accompaniment. The Andante flessibile follows, forming 

the emotional heart of the work - a broad, long-breathed 

slow movement with an undeniably elegiac edge. The 

finale, Allegro con brio, opens with an agitated cadenza for 

the violin, followed by further development of the jazz and 

dance patterns, before an ending filled with elation where 

the violin runs, orchestra catching up to follow, to the 

finishing post. 


36 minutes 

Elegy for a Prince 

Baritone soloist & full orchestra 

2 fl (II+picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, cbn, 4 hn, 2 tpt, 3 tbn, 

timp, 2 perc (MD, SD, cym, sus cym, tam, whip, 

tamb, tabor, glock, xylo, vib), cel, pn, str 


Vocal score* 9780193655829 

Text by Gruffudd ab yr Ynad Coch, translated by Anthony 

Conran. The first performance was at Llandaff Festival, by 

Sir Geraint Evans, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, 

and conducted by the composer himself. 


15 minutes 

Songs of William Blake 

Contralto, celesta, harp, piano and strings 


This twelve movement cycle was commissioned by the 

1979 Fishguard Music Festival, and was premiered by 

contralto Alfreda Hodgson with the BBC Welsh Symphony 

Orchestra, conducted by Erich Bergel. 

To Morning · Infant Joy · Infant Sorrow · Holy Thursday (1) 

· Holy Thursday (2) · The Lamb · The Tiger · The Chimneysweeper 

· London · On Another’s Sorrow · The Divine Image 

· To the Evening Star 

30 minutes 


9

Chamber Orchestra 

Dance Variations 

Chamber orchestra 

2 fl (II+picc), 2 cl, 2 bn, 2 hn, 2 tpt, timp, str 


Study score* 9780193656697 

Commissioned and first performed by the London Mozart 

Players in 1977, it is in the first instance a closely argued 

and highly integrated set of orchestral variations. The 

material is wholly derived from two ideas immediately 

exposed in the opening Introduction, which then leads 

on to 12 variations. The Dance element in the work’s title 

derives from the fact that each variation contributes its 

own characteristic dramatic or lyrical gesture, giving the 

whole something of the spirit of an abstract ballet. 


19 minutes 

Intrada 


2 ob, 2 hn, str 


Intrada was commissioned fort the official opening of the 

Great Hall at University College in Aberystwyth. 

5 minutes 

Chamber Orchestra 

National Anthems 

Land of our Fathers 

God Save the Queen 

Chamber ensemble 

2 tpt, timp, perc, str, str 


These two arrangements were produced for the 1977 

North Wales Music Festival. 

5 minutes 

Reflections on a Theme of Tomkins 


fl, ob, org/hpd, str 


Reflections on a Theme of Tomkins was written for The St 

David’s Cathedral bach Festival 1981. The theme of the 

work is taken from ‘A Sad Pavan for these Distracted Times 

(14th February 1649). 

17 minutes 

Melos 


fl, hp, perc, str Percussion: glock, 2 sus cym, vib, cym, tam, 

crotale, whip, bongos, tri 


This work was commissioned by the Abbotsholme Arts 

Society (Director, Gordon Clark) in association with the Arts 

Council of Great Britain. The title derives from the fact that 

the music was partly stimulated by ta summer cruse of the 

Greek Island. Melos is both an island in the Aegean Sea (the 

mythical birthplace of Apollo), and the Latin/Greek word 

for ‘song.’ 

14 minutes 

10

String Ensemble 

Divertimento for String Orchestra 

String Orchestra 


Recorded by the English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by 

David Atherton on Decca SXL 6468. 

Allegro ritmico · Lento non troppo · Allegro 

12 minutes 

Music for Strings 

String orchestra 


Introduction (Maestoso) · Canto · Danza 

17 minutes 

Prelude, Aria and Finale 


Score 9780193656420 

Prelude, Aria and Finale for string orchestra was written in 

1964 for the Caerphilly Festival. The single-movement work 

was conceived as a compression of a multi-movement 

archetype and has three unified sections (rather than three 

movements). The work can be thought of as an imagined 

musical triptych, the outer two sections contrasting to the 

expressive central Aria. Although strikingly individual in 

character, the Prelude and the Finale are, in general terms, 

marked by their urgency of tone and juxtaposed rhythmic 

fragments; the Finale in particular captures the rhythmic 

quality associated with the spirit of dance. In contrast, the 

central Aria is a rich palette of melody, where divisi stringwriting 

is utilised to enhance the expansive nature of the 

musical material. 

10 minutes 

String Ensemble 

Threnos 



This impressive single-movement score for stings was 

commissioned by the 1990 Lichfield Festival for the 

Guildhall String Ensemble and formed a companion piece 

to the earlier and essentially luminous Greek-inspired Melos 

for harp, flute, percussion, and strings. The emotional 

world of Threnos - threnody – explores the concept of grief 

and loss through a wide variety of contrasted expressions: 

the music moves from contemplation to anger, from 

consolation to anguish. 

17 minutes 

11

Brass Ensemble 

Investiture Anniversary Fanfare 

Brass ensemble 

4 tpt, 2 bass tpt (or ten tbn), btbn, timp, 3 perc (clash 

cym, SD, MD) 


Investiture Anniversary Fanfare was written in 1979 for the 

programme ‘Celebration’ in which HRH The Prince of Wales 

celebrated the 10th year of his Investiture in Caernafon 

Castle. 

4 minutes 

Vivat Regina 

Brass Ensemble 

Brass band 

sop Eb, solo cor Bb, rep Bb, 2nd cor Bb, 3rd cor Bb, flugel 

Bb, solo hn Eb, 1st hn Eb, 2nd hn Eb, 1st bari Bb, 2nd bari 

Bb, 1st tbn Bb, 2nd tbn Bb, btbn C, euph Bb, Eb bass, Bb 

bass, timp, 2 perc (2 SD, tri, clash cym, BD, tbell, tamb, 

whip, tam, glock, sus cym) 


Score* 9780193656949 

Parts* 9780193656956 

This work was commissioned for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee 

Celebrations was first performed at a Royal Silver Jubilee 

Concert in the Royal Albert Hall in June 1977. The work 

opens with a vivacious fortissimo ‘Fanfare’ before easing 

into a Andante maestoso ‘Aria’ with flowing sustained 

melodic lines. The third movement, a lively ‘Jig’ is followed 

by a Lento ‘Mountain Song’, before progressing into a with 

great exaltation into a final ‘Jubilate ‘ and ‘Fanfare’. 


10 minutes 

12

Opera and Staged Works 

The Servants 

Vocal and instrumental scores on hire 9780193374478 

3 fl (III+picc), 2 ob, 2 cl (in Bb+A), 2 bsn, cbn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 

3 tbn, tba, timp, 3 perc, pno (+cel), hp, str, vln solo (offstage) 

Peter Jack, a servant bailiff baritone 

Basil, a landowner tenor 

Oriane, his wife soprano 

Hans Joseph, an old retainer bass 

Father Ambrose, a priest bass 

Marina, daughter-in-law of Hans Joseph 

and betrothed to Peter Jack mezzo-soprano 

Mikey, a boy servant silent 

Patrice, a gypsy bass baritone 

Maxim, son of Marina and grandson 

of Hans Joseph tenor 

General Klein, brother of Oriane bass baritone 

(role doubled with Patrice) 

Chorus of servants 

The Servants was the only opera written by William 

Mathias. It was commissioned by Welsh National 

Opera, and is based on the play The Servants and 

the Snow written by the librettist Iris Murdoch. The 

work highlights the relationship between Basil, the 

landowner, and his servants. Basil intends to run the 

estate doing away with outdated traditions including 

the droit du seigneur. However, these gestures are 

seen by his staff as a sign of feudal weakness. The 

opera explores themes similar to those of Mozart’s The 

Marriage of Figaro. 

135 minutes 

Jonah 

Conductor’s score and parts on hire 9780193374652 

Vocal scores on hire 9780193374638 

2 tpt, pno duet, org, timp, 2 perc (sd, bd, cym, tri, tamb, gong, 

glock), str, 4 pre-recorded sound tapes 

Jonah baritone 

Narrator tenor 

Shipmaster tenor 

sa Children’s Chorus 

satb Chorus 

Based on the biblical story, Jonah was devised as a 

musical morality involving music, speech, movement 

and recorded sounds. The parts for Jonah and the 

Narrator should be taken by professional singers; 

the orchestra can be made up of professional players 

and amateurs (or schoolchildren). It may be sung as 

a cantata or staged as a masque. 

60 minutes 

Opera and Staged Works 

Welsh National Opera, 1980 

WNO Archives 

13

Choral Works 

Ave Rex 

Choral Works 

SATB & orchestra/organ 

2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba (opt), timp, 2 

perc, org (or pn), str Percussion: glock, bells, clash cym, 

tamb, SD, TD, tri, sus cym 

Vocal score 9780193374294 


This sequence of carols opens with a setting of Ave Rex, 

a gateway to the cycle with bold organ accompaniment. 

A spirited and rhythmic setting of Alleluya, A New World 

is come on hand follows, moving into a tender setting of 

There is no Rose of such virture. In great contrast follows the 

ever popular and dance inspired Sir Christemas, before a 

closing variation of Ave Rex. 

Lux Aeterna 

Soprano, mezzo-sop, alto soloists, childrens choir, 

SATB & full orchestra 


timp, 4 perc (tbells, bell tree, glock, vib, BD, sus cym, SD, 

BD, clash cym, tam, tamb, xylo, TD, vib, whip, claves, 

crotales, tri), cel, pn, org, hp, str 

Vocal score 9780193374614 


A large-scale oratorio work, premiered at the Three Choirs 

Festival, Hereford, 26 August 1982. 

58 minutes 

A May Magnificat 

SSAATTBB unaccompanied or with chime bars 

Vocal score* 9780193374423 

14 minutes 

Ceremony after a Fire Raid 

SATBarB, piano & percussion 


Hire vocal scores 9780193374348 

Setting texts by Dylan Thomas, Ceremony after a Fire Raid 

was written for The Scholars in 1973. 

Myselves the Grievers Grieve · I know not wheter Adam or 

Eve · Into the Organpipes and Steeples 


9 minutes 

Rex Gloriae 

SATB unaccompanied 

Vocal score* 9780193374492 


20 minutes 

Learsongs 

SA, piano duet/’cabaret’ band 

Ensemble version: cl, tpt, perc (sus cym, SD, tri, small dr, 

glock, tamb, bells), pn duet, db 

Vocal score 9780193374690 

Chorus part* 9780193374713 

Hire piano duet parts 9780193374676 

Hire ensemble version score and parts 9780193374683 

Settings of great variety of five nonsense poems by Edward 

Lear which reflect the quirky, humorous quality of Lear’s 

poetic imagination. The little cabaret band combines 

with children’s voices to create a particular sound world 

designed to reflect the uniquely humorous quality of Lear’s 

poetic imagination. 

Riddles 

6 Soloists (2 altos, 1 tenor, 2 baritones, 1 bass), 

SATB, bells and piano 

Vocal score* 9780193374317 

“From the earliest times, and in all parts of the world, mankind 

has taken a great delight in riddling - a riddle being both an 

enigma and a puzzle game.”- William Mathias. 

Riddles was commissioned by the Vancouver Chamber 

Choir for performance with The King’s Singers. The work 

is based upon seven riddles from The Anglo-Saxon ‘Exeter 

Book’, translated by Kevin Crossley-Holland. The soloists set 

the seven riddles, with the larger choir seeking to find their 

solution. 


17 minutes 


15 minutes 

14

Royal Garland 


Vocal score* 9780193374409 


15 minutes 

Salvator Mundi 

Upper voices, piano duet, percussion & string 

orchestra 

pn duet, perc (tamb, tri, BD, w blk, chime bars (or glock), 

sus cym, SD, glock), str; OR pno duet only 

Vocal score 9780193374591 


A Christmas carol sequence with texts taken from 15th-, 

16th-, and early 17th-century sources. 

Make we merry · Mirabile mysterium · Be we merry in this 

feast · Lullay · Susanni · Christe, Redemptor Omnium · 

Welcome Yule 

18 minutes 

Shakespeare Songs 

SATB & piano 

Vocal score 9780193411906 


This eight-movement work sets texts taken from different 

Shakespeare plays. The piano part is integral to the whole, 

helping to emphasise the contrasting moods of these 

poems. Although these eight famous poems are taken 

from a number of different plays by Shakespeare (and 

hence from many different contexts), their variety of mood 

and feeling allowed me to set them in the first instance as a 

linked group almost, indeed, as a song cycle. 

Under the greenwood tree · Full fathom five · Lawn as 

white as driven snow · Sigh no more, ladies · Crabbed age 

and youth · Dirge · It was a lover and his lass · Blow, blow, 

thou winter wind 

Te Deum 

Soprano, Mezzo-soprano & Tenor soloists, chorus & 

orchestra 


timp, 3 perc (SD, clash cym, TD, glock, bells, vib, BD, sus 

cym, tam, tamb), hp, str 

Vocal score 9780193374577 


15 minutes 

This Worlde’s Joie 

Soprano, tenor & baritone soli, SATB, children’s 

choir, orchestra 


timp, perc, pn (+cel), hp, small org, str Percussion: glock, 

vib, bells, crotales, cym, BD, tam, SD, tamb, tri, whip, 2 w 

blk 

Vocal score 9780193374379 


This large-scale cantata is a celebration of life, mixing 

sacred and secular texts in music of great power and 

variety. The work is organized to reflect both the seasons 

and the span of human life, with the wide range of poetic 

influences allowing for a broad palette of orchestral 

colours, and individual characterisation from the three 

soloists. 

I Spring (Youth) · II Summer (Maturity) · III Autumn (Decline) 

· IV Winter (Death) 

50 minutes 

World’s Fire 

Soprano & baritone soli, SATB & orchestra 

3 fl (III+picc), 1 ob, 2 cl, 1 bn, 1 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, perc, 

pn (+cel), hp, str 


An Epithalamium to poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins, 

World’s Fire was first performed in 1989 at St Asaph 

Cathedral, conducted by Richard Hickox. 

55 minutes 

Choral Works 

16 minutes 

15

Sacred Choral 

Sacred Choral Collections 

William Mathias Anthems 

SATB accompanied & unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193392625 

This anthology of nine anthems by William Mathias 

(1934-1992) celebrates the eightieth anniversary of the 

composer’s birth. Ideal for church and concert choirs, 

it includes a variety of sacred works from throughout 

Mathias’s career, each demonstrating an aspect of his 

unique compositional voice-from the lively ‘Alleluya Psallat’ 

to the peaceful ‘As truly as God is our Father’. Alongside 

more established anthems, the collection reintroduces a 

number of lesser-known works into the choral repertoire, 

making it a must for all admirers of Mathias’s choral music. 

Contents: 

Alleluya psallat (Sing Alleluya) 

All thy works shall praise thee 

Arise, shine, for your light has come 

As truly as God is our Father 

Lift up your heads, O ye gates 

O how amiable 

Salve Regina (Hail, Queen) 

The law of the Lord: an introit 

The Lord’s Prayer 

Sacred Choral Leaflets 

Ad Majorem dei Gloriam 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193505117 

A glorious fanfare, crackling with life and vitality. Dancing 

syncopated rhythms and bare harmony give the fanfare 

real momentum and bite. This approachable work is well 

within the grasp of most choirs. 

3 minutes 

All thy works shall praise thee 

Dyn holl weithredoedd a’th glodforant 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193502185 

Setting text from Psalm 145, this titles is also published in 

William Mathias Anthems with English and Welsh text. 


3.5 minutes 

All wisdom is from the Lord 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503779 


4.5 minutes 

Alleluia 

SATB, 2 trumpets & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193504615 


Alleluia! Christ is Risen 

SATB & organ or brass, organ & timpani (opt.) 

3 tpt, 3 tbn, timp (or org) 

Vocal score 9780193853669 


The organ plays a prominent role, with many solo areas 

interspersed throughout this exciting and festive anthem. 

Mathias sets four verses, each one related to the original 

theme, which results in a strong conclusion. 

6 minutes 

16

Alleluya psallat (Sing Alleluya) 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193853805 

Commissioned by the BBC in Wales, and first performed on 

25th October 1972 by the BBC Chorus, conducted by John 

Poole with Barry Rose (organ). Also published in William 

Mathias Anthems. 


3 minutes 

Angelus 

SSAA & piano 

Vocal score* 9780193426023 


5 minutes 

Arise, shine, for your light has 

come 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503670 

Arise, shine, for your light has come sets text from the 3rd 

Song of Isaiah and was commissioned by The American 

Association of Anglican Musicians. It is also available in 

William Mathias Anthems. 


5 minutes 

As truly as God is our Father 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193853768 

A quiet, reflective anthem to a text by Julian of Norwich, 

suitable for Trinity. Also published in William Mathias 

Anthems. 

6.5 minutes 

Ave verum corpus 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193504691 

This short setting of a popular text provides church choirs 

with an attractive, contemporary alternative to the widely 

sung settings by Byrd, Mozart, and Elgar. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503243 

Setting text from Psalm 104. 


4 minutes 

Cantate Domino 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193504004 

Written for the John S. Davies Singers, commissioned by 

the Ludlow Festival in 1987, Cantate Domino sets words 

from Psalms 149 and 146. This setting explores the medium 

of SATB choir and organ in a different manner from many 

other anthems. 

9 minutes 

Come, Holy Ghost 

SATB, speaker, organ or three trumpets, timpani & 

organ 

Vocal score 9780193504653 


This invigorating invocation to the Holy Spirit was written 

in the year of the composer’s death. It sets texts from Acts 

1: 1-2 and is suitable for Pentecost. 

7 minutes 

Communion Service in C major 

Unison voices & organ 

English & Welsh vocal score* 9780193516229 

Welsh vocal score* 9780193516243 

English vocal score* 9780193516533 


The Doctrine of Wisdom 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193504363 

Commissioned by The Tablet for the Mass in thanksgiving 

for 150 years of endeavour, The Doctrine of Wisdom sets text 

from Proverbs III and IX. 

4.5 minutes 


4.5 minutes 

17


Except the Lord build the house 

SATB & organ or 3 trumpets (opt. timpani & 

percussion) & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503786 


Commissioned for the 50th anniversary of Harvad 

University Memorial Church, this lively anthem draws upon 

texts from Psalm 127, 107, 128 and 134. 


6 minutes 

Festival Te Deum 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193516076 


7 minutes 

Gloria 

TTBB and organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503250 


6 minutes 

A Grace 


Vocal score* 9780193511316 


2 minutes 

Hear O thou shepherd of Israel 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193870697 


4 minutes 

The heavens declare the glory of 

God 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193504219 


5 minutes 

I will celebrate 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193504172 

A festive anthem with a lively organ part, this piece 

is not difficult, and an exhilarating work to perform. 

It is particularly appropriate for services of praise and 

thanksgiving, setting texts from Psalm 89 and 90. 

7 minutes 

In the time appointed 

SATB (with divisions) and organ 

Vocal score* 9780193504479 

This challenging anthem, suitable for advent was written 

for the University Christian Church in Austin, Texas. The 

word painting in the individual sections is excellent, and 

the musical fabric combines a lyric section symbolic of 

those waiting for Christ to come, with a tuneful dancing 

section of hope that the Lord is coming. 


7 minutes 

I will lift up mine eyes 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503960 


8 minutes 

The Law of the Lord 


Vocal score* 9780193503410 


1.5 minutes 

Let all the world in every corner 

sing 

SATB & organ/brass 

3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, 3 percussion, 

organ 

Vocal score 9780193853935 


Let all the world in every corner sing was commissioned for 

the Jubilee Service held at the Royal Albert Hall in 1987 

to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Royal School of 

Church Music. 

6 minutes 

18

Let the people praise thee, O 

God 

SATB & organ/orchestra 

3 fl (3+picc), 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, cbn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tuba 

(opt), timp, 2 perc, hp, str 

Vocal score 9780193503724 


Composed for the marriage of HRH The Prince of Wales 

and Lady Diana Spencer, this ebullient anthem clearly 

demonstrates the strong French influences that inspired 

Mathias during his student days. The sustained tender 

section midway through the work displays great gift for 

melodic writing in a plainsong-like style. 

5 minutes 

Let us now praise famous men 

SATB & organ or orchestra 

2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, timp, perc (SD, 

tamb, clash cym, glock, sus cym), hp, str 

Vocal score 9780193541160 


Setting text from Ecclesiasticus, 44, Let us now praise 

famous men was commissioned for the opening service of 

the 1984 Three Choirs Festival. 

8 minutes 

Lift up your heads, O ye gates 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193804364 

This sprightly anthem, setting text from Psalm 24:7-10, is 

appropriate either during Advent or for Palm Sunday. It 

was originally written for the Oxford collection Anthems for 

Choirs 1, and makes use of lively, syncopated rhythm, and 

modern “pan-tonal” harmonies. 

2 minutes 

The Lord is my shepherd (Yr 

Arglwydd yw fy mugail) 

TTBB & piano 

Vocal score 9780193804333 

With texts in both Welsh and English, The Lord is my 

shepherd sets the well-known Psalm 23 text. The English 

text has been adapted by Dyfnallt Morgan. 

Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling 

place 

SATB, brass ensemble & organ 

2 tpt, 2 tbn, org 

Vocal score 9780193504424 


7 minutes 

The Lord’s Prayer (Gwedd’ir 

arglwydd) 

TTBB & organ (or piano) 

Vocal score (English text) 9780193511460 

Vocal score (Welsh text)* 9780193504738 


3.5 minutes 

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis Op. 

53 (Jesus College Service) 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193516366 

8 minutes 

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (St 

David’s Service) 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193516830 

10 minutes 

Make a joyful noise unto the 

Lord 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193856240 

This short and uplifting anthem sets text from Psalm 100. 

2 minutes 


5 minutes 

19


Missa Aedes Christi 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193516595 

Missa Aedes Christi was commissioned by Christ Church 

Cathedral, Oxford in 1983 in memoriam of college alumni 

William Walton. 

Kyrie · Gloria · Sanctus · Benedictus · Agnus Dei 


16 minutes 

Missa Brevis 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score 9780193516472 

Kyrie · Gloria · Sanctus · Benedictus · Agnus Dei 

16 minutes 

O be joyful in the Lord (Jubilate 

Deo) 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503816 


7 minutes 

O clap your hands 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503885 


6 minutes 

O how aimable 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503830 


4 minutes 

O Lord, our Lord 

SATB & organ (opt. brass ensemble) 

3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, timp, 2 perc, org 

Vocal score 9780193503977 


7 minutes 

O Salutaris Hostia 

TTBB unaccompanied 

Vocal score* 9780193410183 


O sing unto the Lord 

SATB & organ/brass ensemble 

Vocal score 9780193502666 


Setting texts from psalms 96 and 98, this work was first 

performed at Aldeburgh Festival in 1965 by the Purcell 

Singers, and conductor George Malcolm. 

5 minutes 

Praise is due to you, O God in Zion 

SATB & brass ensemble & percussion 

3 tpt, timp, 2 perc (tamb, timp, tri, vib(opt)), org 

Vocal score 9780193504271 


8 minutes 

Praise ye the Lord 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503748 


4 minutes 

Psalm 150 

SATB & orchestra and/ or organ 

3 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, cbn, 4 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, tba, timp, 2 

perc, pn, str and/or org Percussion: bells, SD, tamb, w blk, 

clash cym, sus cym, glock, BD, tam 

Vocal score 9780193503113 


Commissioned by The Three Choirs Festival in 1969. 

8 minutes 

Rejoice in the Lord 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503946 


7 minutes 

20

Salve Regina 

SATB or TTBB unaccompanied 

SATB vocal score* 9780193504035 

TTBB vocal score* 9780193503922 

Originally composed for Rhymney Silurian Male Choir, 

Salve Regina (Hail Queen of Heaven) was then transposed 

up a fourth for mixed voice choir. 


4.5 minutes 

Tantum Ergo 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503861 


4 minutes 

Three Medieval Lyrics 

SATB, 2 trumpets, percussion and organ 



A Sequence for St Michael · Easter Sunday · Invocation (‘for 

St Michael) 

8 minutes 

Thus saith God the Lord 

SATB & organ 

Vocal score* 9780193503182 


8 minutes 

Secular Choral Works 

The Echoing Green 

SSAA & piano 

Score 9780193426030 

Setting text by William Blake, The Echoing Green was 

commissioned by the Lyons Township High School Treble 

Choir in 1985. 

4 minutes 

It was a lover and his lass 

SATB & piano 

Score 9780193857216 

2 minutes 

O aula nobilis 

SSAA, brass ensemble, percussion & piano duet 

3 tpt, timp, 3 perc (SD, tamb, clash cym, tri, glock (or 

chime bars), BD), pn duet 

Score 9780193374416 


With its trumpet fanfares and rhythmic vitality, this exciting 

anthem ends with a jubilant shout of celebration and is 

suitable for any school or upper-voice choir. 

3 minutes 

Secular Choral Leaflets 

Veni sancte spiritus 

SATB, 2 trumpets, percussion, & organ 

Vocal score 9780193532632 


A substantial piece which employs brass and percussion to 

great effect, commissioned by The Three Choirs Festival in 

1985. 

9 minutes 

21

Christmas Choral 

Christmas Choral Leaflets 

A babe is born 

SATB & organ/piano duet/orchestra 


(tri, SD, clash cym), pn (+cel), str 

Vocal score 9780193853676 


With trademark Mathias ‘thrown’ rhythms, this spirited 

carol was comissioned by the Cardiff Philhamonic Choir in 

association with the Welsh Arts Council. Also available in 

100 Carols for Choirs. 

6 minutes 

Bell Carol 

SATB (with divisions) & organ/piano duet & 

optional percussion/brass ensemble 

2 tpt, 3 tbn, perc (tubaphone or glock, tri, tamb, tbells), 

org 

Vocal score 9780193431416 


Bell Carol was commissioned by The Bach Choir in 

celebration of the 70th birthday of Sir David Willcocks. This 

joyous carol opens with an uplifting dotted brass motif, the 

driving force throughout the carol. 

4 minutes 

Hodie Christus Natus Est 


Vocal score 9780193850897 

Commissioned by the Collegiate Choir of Illinois Wesleyan 

University, this joyous antiphon heralds the Christmas 

morning with driving rhythm and vigour. 

3 minutes 

In Excelsis Gloria 


Vocal score 9780193431683 

Written in 1954 for the University of Aberystwyth madrigal 

choir, this early carol features evocative paralleling similar 

to thirteenth-century medieval organum. 

3.5 minutes 

Nativity Carol 

SATB, brass, percussion and organ (or piano duet) 

Vocal score 9780193430648 

Dedicated for Sir David Willcocks and the Bach Choir. 

2.5 minutes 

Sir Christemas 

SATB & organ/brass/orchestra 

Orchestral version: 2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 2 hn, 3 tpt, 3 tbn, 

tba, timp, perc (tamb, tri, glock, clash cym, SD), org or pn, 

str 

Brass version: 3 tpt, 3 tbn (OR 2 tpt, 2 hn, 3 tbn), timp, 

perc (tamb, tri, glock, sus cym), org 

Vocal score 9780193853652 

Hire orchestral score and parts 9780193430945 

Hire brass score and parts 9780193442023 

Words c.1500 anon. Also available in Carols for Choirs 2 and 

100 Carols for Choirs 

1.5 minutes 

Sweet was the song 

SATB & organ or piano 

Vocal score 9780193431270 

This peaceful carol carries the hallmarks of Mathias’s 

unmistakable craftsmanship, such is the seamless contrast 

between the chromatic opening material and the rich tonal 

harmonies of the sustained lullaby sections. Suitable for 

both concert and liturgical use. 

4 minutes 

Wassail Carol 

SATB (with divisions) & organ/orchestra 

2 fl, 2 ob, 2 cl, 2 bn, 2 hn, 2 tpt, 2 tbn, timp, 1-2 perc (cym, 

tri, tamb, glock), org or pno, cel (opt) 

Vocal score 9780193429406 


Suitable for both concert and liturgical use, Wassail Carol 

perfectly heralds the arrival of Christmas. With a lively 

organ part, and in a similar style to his Sir Christemas, 

this piece will deliver an exhilarating and exuberant 

performance. 

2 minutes 

22

Solo Instrumental 

A Vision of Time and Eternity 

Medium voice and piano 

Score 9780193455702 

Written in August 1972, this work was premiered by 

contralto Helen Watts accompanied by the composer at 

the piano. 

10 minutes 

The Fields of Praise 

Tenor and piano 

Score 9780193455726 

Setting five texts by Dylan Thomas, The Fields of Praise was 

commissioned by the BBC in association with the Welsh 

Arts Council. The work is dedicated to fellow composer 

Michael Tippett, and was first performed by William 

Mathias and tenor Kenneth Bowen in 1977. 

29 minutes 

Improvisations for Harp 

Harp 

Score 9780193577596 

Allegro moderato · Lento - sonore · Allegro non troppo 

6 minutes 

Sonata No. 1 

Violin & piano 

Score* 9780193577602 

Written in 1961 for the Cheltenham Festival, this was 

actually Mathias’s second violin sonata - the first remaining 

unpublished. 

Molto vivace · Lento, ma con molto · Lento/ Allegro ritmico 


19 minutes 

Sonata No. 2 

Violin & piano 

Score* 9780193577763 

Mathias’s third violin sonata, this work was commissioned 

by The Guild for the Promotion of Welsh Music for 1984 

Swansea Festival , and dedicated to the performers Erich 

Gruenberg and John McCabe. 

Allegro robusto · Vivace e ritmico · Adagio sostenuto · 

Allegro molto vivace 


20 minutes 

Sonata for Harp 

Harp 

Score 9780193577701 

A two movement rhapsodic work, in which the full gamut 

of harp timbres is effectively employed. 

Moderato e maestoso · Allegro vivo 

14 minutes 

Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano 

Clarinet & piano 

Score 9780193577770 

The first public performance of William Mathias’s Sonatina 

for clarinet and piano, Op.3 in a SPNM concert on 13 

July at the Town Hall in the 1957 Festival, put the Welsh 

composer on the international map. It is fascinating to 

observe how many of Mathias’ inimitable fingerprints are 

already present at such an early stage: the syncopated selfpropelling 

rhythms, eloquent lyricism and life-enhancing 

exuberance. 

8 minutes 

Sonatina for Flute and Piano 

Flute & piano 

Score 9780193577824 

This is an exuberant and high-spirited work, written when 

the composer was nineteen. With a hauntingly beautiful 

contrasting slow movement, this is a fine concert piece. 

A considerable amount of straight repetition renders the 

music easily assimilable. For instance, both main themes 

in the opening sonata movement are repeated during the 

exposition; similarly a large stretch of the development 

consists simply of a transposed version of a previous 

passage. Only in the third and final movement does the 

structure become more complex, with the combination of 

variants of the main themes of the first movement. 

8 minutes 

Santa Fe Suite 

Harp 

Score 9780193577589 

A colourful and attractive suite for solo harp, in the words 

of the composer, “directly inspired by a working visit to 

Santa Fe-a city beautifully set in an area of New Mexico 

suffused over many centuries by the culture and rhythms 

of Spain. The opening Landscape calls on the harp’s sense 

of atmosphere, the central Nocturne on its power of 

sonorous line, and the finale, Sun Dance, on its rhythmic 

capacity. 

10 minutes 

Solo Instrumental 

23

Chamber Ensemble 


Ceremonial Fanfare 

2 Trumpets 



1.5 minutes 

Concertino Op. 65 

Recorder or flute, oboe, bassoon & harpsichord or 

piano 


Moderato: Allegro vivo · Andante mesto · Allegro 

capriccioso 


12 minutes 

Divertimento Op. 1 

Violin and viola 

Score 9780193577565 

This suite in four character filled movements is Mathias’s 

first acknowledged composition, composed when he was 

19 years old. 

Introduction · Square Dance · Intermezzo · Finale 

16 minutes 

Divertimento Op. 24 

Flute, oboe and piano 

Score* 9780193577558 

Allegretto · Andante comodo · Allegro ritmico 


10 minutes 

Trio Op. 30 

Violin, cello and piano 

Score 9780193577817 

Mathias’s only piano trio was composed in 1965 for the 

Tunnell Trio. The piece comes almost directly between the 

two major early orchestral works, the Concerto for Orchestra 

and the Symphony No. 1. Mathias’s writing is exuberant 

but always tautly controlled. His control of structure - 

articulated in terms of a personal brand of sonata form - is 

already masterly. In the opening movement the material 

is tightly integrated but the rhetorical discourse unfolds 

naturally. The scherzo is a rhythmic tour-de-force while the 

slow movement blends lyricism and rhetoric in a manner 

which is characteristically Celtic. The finale is a bright, even 

occasionally folksy rondo with the odd American twinge 

from time to time. 

15 minutes 

Soundings 

Brass quintet 

Score* 9780193577787 

The Overture immediately exposes a dance-like idea, a 

chordal sequence and a running pattern which form the 

basis not only of this movement but of the work as a whole. 

The succeeding March is ironic in nature, with its use of 

muted trumpets - except at the climax. The Elegy uses the 

instruments in a singing, deeply expressive manner. After 

recalling the chordal sequence from Movement I, the final 

Capriccio launches into a lively and metrically varied dance. 

Brass sounds are used throughout, but always within the 

context of an integrated musical argument. 


14 minutes 

String Quartet No. 1 

String quartet 

Score and parts 9780193577619 

Exposition I · Exposition II · Development · Recapitulation 

and Coda 

18 minutes 




Allegro · Andante - Vivace · Lento molto ed espressivo · 

Allegro vivo 

19 minutes 

24




Mathias’ third and final quartet was commissioned by the 

1986 Harrogate International Festival and premiered there 

in August that year by the Medici Quartet. It has three 

movements: the first takes the form of a sonata, the second 

starts off as mysterious and lyrical and moves into a fiery 

climax, and the third uses exciting fugal passages and 

‘scherzando’ sections, which make for a thrilling conclusion. 

29 minutes 

Summer Dances 

Brass quintet 

2 tpt, hn, tbn, tba 


This cheerful six movement suite for brass quintet employs 

dance rhythms and themes throughout. With plenty of 

interplay between the instruments, this is approachable 

and rewarding music for both performer and audience 

alike. 

Maestoso - Allegro all danza · Allegretto preciso · Allegro 

non troppo · Moderato · Lento con moto, e flessibile · 

Allegro ritmico 


18 minutes 

Quintet Op. 22 

Flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet and horn 


Score* 9780193577688 

Introduction · Waltz · Scherzo · Elegy · Recitative 


15 minutes 

Zodiac Trio 

Flute, viola & harp 

Score 9780193577756 

This work was commissioned (in association with the Welsh 

Arts Council) by the Vale of Glamorgan Festival, where it 

was first performed by the Robles Trio. The title derives 

from the fact that it was composed for and dedicated to 

three personal friends, each of whom was born under a 

different sign of the Zodiac. An introductory Moderato 

leads directly into three distinctive movements 

16 minutes 

25

Solo Organ and Piano 

Berceuse 

Organ 


Score 9780193755499 

A berceuse is usually a simple lullaby. In this case, however, 

the lullaby grows into a large-scale elegy with a disturbing 

climax. 

16 minutes 

Fantasy 

Organ 

Score 9780193755529 

Fantasy for organ is a work of virtuoso technical display. 

10 minutes 

Fenestra 

Organ 

Score 9780193755482 

Fenestra is full of opportunities for varied and exciting 

colours, the choice of which is left very much to the 

player’s discretion. The English for ‘Fenestra’ is ‘Windows’. 

The darkness of the work’s opening is gradually illuminated 

by sound windows of varying tempi, brightness and colour. 

The player is invited to adapt this metaphor on each 

occasion to the given individuality of the instrument, allied 

to the acoustic in which it is placed. 

12 minutes 

Little Suite for Piano 

Piano 

Score 9780193732797 

A collection of inventive little character pieces ranging in 

style from the quirky to the lyrical. Suitable for players of 

about Grade 6 standard. Prelude 

Dance · Celtic Lament · Burlesque · Arietta · Finale 

A Mathias Organ Album 

Organ 

Score 9780193755505 

William Mathias made a significant contribution to 

twentieth-century organ music. This collection presents 

seven of his most popular works. 

Canzonetta · Chorale · Jubilate · Postlude · Processional · 

Recessional · Toccata Giocosa 

Partita Op. 19 

Organ 

Score 9780193755550 

This three movement work is characterized by majestic 

moods. A pixified romp marks the first movement, followed 

by a solemn second, before concluding with a hungry, 

snarling, and restless end movement. 

12 minutes 

Piano Sonata No. 1, Op.23 

Piano 

Score 9780193732827 

Utilizing the standard 3-movement sonata form, this 

vivacious Piano Sonata contrasts moments of great energy, 

verve, and rhythmic drive in the first and third movements 

with expressive yet dissonant writing in the second. 

Commissioned for the 1964 Arts Festival of the University 

College of North Wales, Bangor, Piano Sonata No.1 was first 

performed in Madrid by John Clegg on 13 February 1964. 

18 minutes 

Piano Sonata No. 2 

Piano 

Score 9780193732841 

Through composed and thus unlike Piano Sonata No.1, this 

one fifteen-minute movement begins and ends quietly yet 

retains a sense of clearly defined sections throughout. 

Piano Sonata No. 2 was commissioned by the BBC in 

Wales, and given its first performance by the composer on 

3 March 1970 in a broadcast recital as part of the BBC St 

David’s Festival of Music. 

15 minutes 

26

Processional 

Organ 

Score 9780193369139 

Digital 9780193544505 

Processional bustles with cheerful positivity throughout, 

its rondo-like structure clarified by the memorability of its 

abundant melodies. The harmony is modal to begin with, 

but moves from this deliberately archaic sound to more 

piquant and modern colours, building to a triumphant 

conclusion. 

3.5 minutes 

Suite Parisienne 

2 pianos 

Score 9780193732810 

A suite with a gallic flavour, for two pianos. 

En Voyage · Promenade · Montmartre 

7 minutes 

Three Organ Pieces 

Organ 

Score 9780193755598 

Three of William Mathias’s substantial virtuoso organ 

compositions which will appeal to experienced organists 

who want attractive and challenging music for their 

recitals. Carillon is inspired by the sonority of bells - more 

particularly, the overtone harmonies generated by bells, 

and the type of music associated with the carillons of 

Belgium and Holland: simple, bright, and generally 

repetitive tunes played over relatively slow-moving, 

sonorously constant pedal harmonies. The piece, luminous 

and festive in nature, builds to a climax in which the 

various bell pedals are juxtaposed in bracing harmonies 

while the tunes peal out jubilantly above. 

Invocations · Antiphonies · Carillon 

Toccata Giocoso Op. 36 No.2 

Organ 

Score* 9780193755574 

*Available from Banks Music Publishing 

3 minutes 

Variations on a Hymn Tune: Braint 

Organ 

Score* 9780193755543 

This set of variations was written for the organ of Llandaff 

Cathedral, and is based on the Welsh hymn tune “Babel”. 


14 minutes 


10, 10, 5.5 minutes 

Toccata Alla Danza 

Piano 

Score* 9780193732834 


3 minutes 

27

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