J S BACH – THE ORGELBUCHLEIN
JAMES LANCELOT, organ of Durham Cathedral
PRIORY PRCD1139
This is a very welcome release. A stand-alone no-frills rendition of the complete organ music from the book presented in order from Advent to Pentecost and concluding with the non-seasonal items.
This is a useful reference work but also a very enjoyable listening experience with James Lancelot in fine form at the Durham organ.
THE COMPLETE ORGAN SONATAS OF AUGUST RITTER (1811-1885)
MICHAEL HARRIS, Ladegast organ, Kirche Altleisnig, Polditz, Germany
PRIORY PRCD1162
The four organ sonatas presented here are of great interest, partly because of the early date of their writing and also because they are mostly unfamiliar to us now. Michael Harris gives fine performances on an organ that is itself an interesting survivor, built in 1868 and now restored, after it was very nearly removed in the 1980s.
ORGAN SPECTACULAR!
ASHLEY GROTE, organ of Norwich Cathedral
PRIORY PRCD1153
I have to confess that I groaned when I saw the contents of this disc, being mostly very well-known items in the organ repertoire. However, I must say, though, that I thoroughly enjoyed the whole CD and was reminded of just how enjoyable many of these pieces are. This CD would make an excellent introduction to the organ but will also be enjoyed by many “old hands” if they are prepared to put prejudice aside and give it a spin! The programme begins with Bach’s Toccata & Fugue in D minor & closes with Widor’s Toccata. The complete Gothique Suite by Boellmann is included. As well as Lefebure-Wely’s Sortie in E flat there is his lesser-known Andante: Choeur des voix humaines. A welcome new piece is the organist’s own Prelude on Cross of Jesus.
GREAT EUROPEAN ORGANS No 98
ANTHONY HAMMOND, organ of L’Eglise St-Vincent, Roquevaire, France
PRIORY PRCD1156
Sadly this long running series is nearing it’s end. In the meantime we have another release which combines expert playing on a lesser-known organ with interesting modern repertoire. Largely focussing on the art of improvisation this CD has compositions by Naji Hakim and Pierre Cochereau, together with works dedicated to him by Jean Bouvard & Daniel Roth. There is also the organist’s own Improvisation:Triptyque and Marius Monnikendam’s Toccate Concertante. Excellent!
THE COMPLETE PSALMS OF DAVID SERIES 2, Vol 9
Choir of SALISBURY CATHEDRAL, directed by David Halls with John Challenger, organ
PRIORY PRCD 1150
Moving to the choral repertoire we have another series nearing its end. Whilst not having quite the impact on me that the original series did I have been enjoying these releases as they bring further renditions of this staple of the cathedral repertoire, often with unfamiliar chants. Here the Salisbury choir demonstrates its familiarity with this genre in what is a well executed set.
GREGORIAN CHANT – MUSIC OF PARADISE
Choir of BUCKFAST ABBEY, directed by Philip Arkwright
PRIORY PRCD1151
There is little than I can say to add to descriptions of the beauty of Gregorian chant. Its simplicity and longevity both help to transport the singer and the listener beyond themselves. I really enjoyed this sequence of chant from the mixed voices here give a glimpse of the musical traditions still in place at the abbey. Sublime.
MESSIAEN – L’ASCENSION
TOM WINPENNY, Rieger organ of St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
NAXOS 8.573471 (66’33)
Tom Winpenny gives an inspiring all-Messiaen recital here. Alongside the title work we also have Diptyque, Offrande au Saint-Sacrament, Prelude, Le Banquet Celeste and Apparition de l’Eglise eternelle. There is a good rapport between organist and organ and understanding and sensitivity of this music.