American Record Guide

A program of oft-recorded pieces save for the Jonathan Dove. The title refers to the use of one theme or motive as the basis for each piece: Jongen devised a series of variations on a modal melody in the style of a Belgian folk song; Liszt borrowed a theme from Giacomo Meyerbeer’s opera Le Prophet [sic], subjecting it to his technique of thematic transformation; Dove chose a dance-like motif which explores the colors of the organ while growing in intensity and momentum.

The Jongen is well played but doesn’t quite rise to the level of Murray, while the Liszt manages to hang together, though it is somewhat plodding and lacking in forward momentum in many places.

Ffinch plays on a robust 3-manual, 45 rank, 1892 Hill, Norman and Beard (renovated in 2017) in the Cheltenham College Chapel (England). Notes on the music, performer, and organ.

—Robert Delcamp