A Guide to the ABRSM Syllabus (2023 - 2024)

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Howells - There Was a Most Beautiful Lady (No.3 from Country Pageant)

ABRSM Grade 6 – B9

Sometimes known as Slow Dance, Herbert Howells’ There Was a Most Beautiful Lady comes from the set Country Pageant composed in 1928. Full of piquant modern harmonies there is a strong sense of a much earlier Old English style in this wistful piece. To bring it off, feel the three main beats in a bar (not too slow) while bringing some flexibility to the challenging rhythmic patterns in the right hand. Project the main melody as though an oboe solo. The pedal markings given in the score are “special” pedals; elsewhere use pedal at your discretion.

Resources & links This piece is available for purchase in print from the ABRSM shop here.