As an organist and composer in the English church music tradition, Harwood is best known today for his liturgical works, particularly his hymn tunes, several of which have became well-known including Luckington ("Let All the World in Every Corner Sing") and Thornbury ("O Jesus I Have Promised")
He took his music degree at Oxford in 1880, and then spent a year in Leipzig studying composition with Jadassohn.
He wrote little orchestral music. There is a full scale Concerto in D major for organ & orchestra, op. 24, composed in 1910.
In an Old Abbey - 1923
Written for the organ this has been arranged for orchestra.
There are two principal themes. The first, heard at once, is soft and dreamy. The ruined stonework of the abbey and the light creating a mysterious scene.
The second, is a noble sweeping melody perhaps reflecting the history and faded glory of the building.
SAMPLE: In an Old Abbey