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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)

—Robert Matthew-Walker

@divineartrecordingsgroup

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On 10 October, Métier is thrilled to present Michael Finnissy: Organ Works from acclaimed American organist Forrest Eimold! Don't miss Paul Hindmarsh's marvelous new piece in Classical Music Magazine on the importance of Britain's Brass Bands. A great primer for our new release, Discovering Wilfred Heaton! 3️⃣ Tracks from the 3 October release, Discovering Wilfred Heaton, are #nowplaying on Apple Music Classical and more! Don't miss both of our new Métier new releases on Deezer's New Classical Picks Playlist! ▶️ Listen now in our bio link. Today, Métier presents a “monumental” (The Wire) 4-disc box set from pianist Ian Pace in commanding performances of music by composer Michael Finnissy (b. 1946). On all platforms today at listn.fm/finnissypiano Métier Records is thrilled to release “Because They Have Songs” from composer Edward Cowie and featuring Gerard McChrystal and Richard Shaw! Out now on all platforms ▶️ listn.fm/becausetheyhavesongs “This monumental piano release features Michael Finnissy’s Verdi Transcriptions plus English Country-Tunes, and other compositions inspired by 19th century music. Soloist Ian Pace is a leading interpreter of Finnissy’s work, and has played his complete output for piano. Finnissy’s output is prolific, political and complex – he’s a leading late modernist.… luxuriant but challenging textures of the school often called new complexity.” —Andy Hamilton, The Wire Marvelous new MusicWeb International review for Edward Cowie: Because They Have Songs, before its release this Friday! “Buller is a composer who knows how to imbue feelings with ample warmth, colour and tension that keep the ear immersed in his sonic worlds. The musical language is largely tonal, with some roots in sacred choral traditions, yet with sufficient harmonic pungency to provide underpinnings of meaning to Leah Lax’s empathetic, urgent texts in the two extended works.… Conspirare, led by founding Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson, respond to all of Buller’s emotional gestures with utmost cohesion and flexibility, and the soloists – basses Michael Hawes and Simon Barrad and soprano Emily Yocum Black – are first-rate.” —Donald Rosenberg, @gramophonemagazine “This performance will stay with me for a long time; it is both exquisitely beautiful and inherently melancholic.” —Edward Breen, Gramophone on Haitham Haidar's #Zaytoun