John Wells (organ). Recorded by RNZ Concert, 23 November 2003.
John Wells Photo: Supplied
John Wells is a graduate of Cambridge University, where he was organ scholar at King’s College Chapel under Sir David Willcocks. He received his organ doctorate with high distinction from Indiana University, after studies with Dr Oswald Ragatz. He is well-known to New Zealand audiences as a concert performer, composer, recording artist and teacher.
This is a set of variations for organ, on a familiar seasonal theme, to be played only with the pedals. Some of the variations decorate the melody, some cast it into new rhythmic forms, and some introduce dramatic reharmonisation. They are all tied together by the considerable virtuosity of the performance.
