Wesley, S S: Choral Song & Fugue (from Three Pieces for a Chamber Organ)

This fourteenth volume of Christopher Herrick’s monumental Organ Fireworks series comes from the organ of Melbourne Town Hall. As ever, Herrick presents a cornucopia of virtuoso delights, opening with a bang with Lemare’s outrageous transcription of the Grand March from Aida, given a new sheen by Herrick himself. Other works include pieces by living composers Iain Farrington and Paul Spicer, and examples of the best of the English and French traditions of 19th and 20th century organ writing.

In keeping with the historic nature of the Temple Church, London, the first mention of an organ there dates back to 1308 – although the organ on this recording, made by Harrison & Harrison, dates only from 1954 (the previous organ was destroyed during the blitz in 1941). The varied programme touches on a multitude of works for organ by English composers, all of which bring out different facets of this versatile instrument. The organist, James Vivian, has been part of the music department at the Temple Church since 1997, working first with the then director of music Stephen Layton, before taking on the role himself in 2006.

This disc is complemented by the release the Temple Church Choir’s The Majesty of Thy Glory: Choral Works by Britten, Elgar, Howells and Purcell, also released this month.

The first solo recording of the Mander organ of Winchester College Chapel, played by the new Director of Chapel Music, Malcolm Archer (formerly of Wells and St Paul’s Cathedrals)

An entertaining survey of German and English organ music, including the ever-popular Nun Danket.

First recording of Malcolm Archer’s own Variations on an English Air