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The Organ

This is one of the finest recordings of an organ I have heard for some time. The splendid 1897 Norman & Beard instrument, as rebuilt and extended by Harrison & Harrison in 1976 (since when, a 32-foot ‘Double Ophicleide’ stop has been added), is caught with a truthfulness that is most impressive, the microphone placing in the Chapel being absolutely perfect in terms of capturing the natural ambiance of the building, the wide dynamic range without a hint of overload, as well as – most importantly – the clarity and brilliance of Alexander ffinch’s playing.

The chosen programme sets off the instrument admirably: beginning with a quite outstanding account of Joseph Jongen’s marvellous Sonata Eroica – a work that deserves to be far better-known than it is, outside of the organ world – ffinch offers a recent (2014) work by Jonathan Dove. The Dancing Pipes is, as so often with this composer, a study in colouration and minimalistic patterns rather than being an organic piece of genuine creative momentum; it receives a wholly sympathetic account here.

Liszt’s great ‘Ad nos’ fantasia and fugue returns us to the core repertoire in a performance of considerable musical insight and technical address. All three highly contrasted works suit this fine instrument admirably, and ffinch’s interpretative insight is splendid – genuine performances from a manifestly gifted musician and technically accomplished master. David Gammie’s accompanying booklet notes are excellent. This disc is very strongly recommended. (5 stars awarded)