The Classical Music Sentinel
This could very well be the best entry point CD into the realm of the pipe organ for those reluctant to dive in because of this instrument’s connotations with the church. With this finely curated collection of diverse pieces either composed or arranged for the pipe organ, organist Alexander Ffinch clearly demonstrates that this versatile instrument can stand on its own even outside of its liturgical context. As well, all the pieces share a common thread as “expectations” of special seasonal events. Halloween, Christmas, the New Year, and even expectations that we are not alone with a special, and finely organic, arrangement of David Bowie’s Life on Mars?.
Even William Mason’s take on the Advent hymn Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland, composed as recently as May 2025 and completely different from Bach’s famous version, does not detract from the overall intent of the program. It actually highlights and enhances some of the Cheltnham College Chapel organ stops which range from a 2′ Piccolo to a 32′ Double Ophicleide, added to the instrument in 2013.
Some of Marcel Dupré’s Variations Sur un Noël may sound far-fetched and far-removed from the original tune, but that’s precisely what makes them a thrill to hear. And some of Alexander Ffinch’s virtuosic touches throughout add to the experience, as they do in the Toccata by Marcel Lanquetuit with it’s pedal-centric main theme and final glorious chord.
Church attendance may be dropping off drastically these days, but recordings like this still guarantee the pipe organ’s musical relevance for years to come.
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