Organists Review

This has to be star disc for me – playing, instruments and music combine to provide a wonderful panoply of sound for the listener. Salve Regina is simply exquisite for its meditative – even plaintive – violin writing, while there is wonderful interplay between violin and organ in the humorous Capriccio.

The centrepiece of the CD is, of course, Embrace of Fire, written n 1986 and inspired by the icon of the Trinity. The debt to Messiaen is obvious, but there is much that is original in Hakim’s writing and the way in which he exploits the resources of the forces at his disposal. The subtle, gentle ending of Embrace is simply exquisite – a fitting reflection of the Biblical text, ‘fill them with Thy Spirit.’

Toccata on the Introit of the Feast of the Epiphany, introduced, like all the other plainsong-based pieces is also very much in the French tradition, quasi-improvisatory in nature, with the plainchant as the binding agent. In complete contrast, Diptych introduces the recorder, firstly in the haunting melody of the Cantilène and then the jaunty Humoresque: again, a wonderful pairing of instruments!

The opening of Hommage à Igor Stravinsky immediately reminded me of his Symphony of Psalms, such is the way in which Hakim ‘gets inside’ the musical style of Stravinsky, Here again, there is the strong influence of Gregorian chant. The third and final section could be by Duruflé! And what a way to end such a vibrant recording.

What a wonderfully versatile organ at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, brilliantly played by Simon Leach, titulaire there. Had I not known the instrument and where it was, I would have guessed that it was somewhere in France, with its rich reeds and mixtures and the vibrant acoustic – what a tribute to William Hill, the original builder in 1871 and David Wells for his 2004 restoration.

The disc is complemented by extensive programme notes, including biographies and a note on the organ used, complete with (slightly inaccurate) specification.

—David Baker