Compline

Compline is Leslie Betteridge's last published composition. As in many of his organ works, his deep knowledge and love the worship service pervades the elegant writing in this work. Mr. Betteridge has sub-titled the work: "A Choral Improvisation for Organ", and his treatment of the evening hymn is an inspiration much like an improvisation for the service of compline. The chant is first given out in the pedal, then developed in a fantasy-like middle section. The chant returns in the manuals surrounded by motives from the previous sections, and the piece ends quietly on the strings of the organ.