Handel: Overture to the Occasional Oratorio, HWV62

The art of transcription has been a part of the history of keyboard instruments since the Renaissance period, a time that saw the first publishing of sacred as well as secular vocal works. In the 19th century, however, the trend entered its golden age, thus satisfying the domestic music-making appetite of the bourgeoisie across Europe and reflecting technological advances in mechanisms such as the organ. This release is dedicated towards this king of instruments, whose expansion into concert-like proportions allowed the music of Handel to flourish in particular.

The recording is based on a selection of the Baroque composer's most famous works, arranged by some of the 19th century's greatest organ virtuosos. As well as W.T. Best, who gave about 100 recitals a year for 40 years and who published two great collections -- of which Handel's Choruses, selected and arranged for the Organ is included here -- there features transcriptions by the likes of George C. Martin (organist of St Paul's Cathedral), F.C. Woods, Théodore Dubois (organist at the Madeleine in Paris) and Alexandre Guilmant (organist of Saint-Trinité in paris and a noted concert performer). The two symphonies of Saul, Zadok the Priest and excerpts from the Messiah are just some of the works contained on this engaging release.

Performed by Massimo Gabba at the Mascioni organ of the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Alessandri (Italy), Romantic Organ Transcriptions details a fascinating area of 19th-century music-making and exposes the predilection for all things Baroque at that time. Gabba explores the full gamut of the instrument, revealing the immense variety of timbres and characteristic grandeur that the organ came to attain during the 1800s.

This is a newish organ that sits in the main concert hall in Christchurch, New Zealand. Built by Rieger, its sounds are exciting and for a concert hall not entirely dry. Martin Setchell is well known throughout the world as a concert organist and here he plays the organ which displays the virtuosity of both him and the instrument.

A new recording of this under-recorded instrument.

Alexander Mason’s first solo organ disc since becoming Director of Music at St Davids.

Features Alexander Mason’s own Variations on ‘Torches‘ commissioned by the Birmingham Bach Choir together with two improvisations and other popular organ works.

Handel's overtures had an independent life almost from their inception and the practice of performing them on keyboard instruments has a similarly long pedigree, beginning with a number of transcriptions made by the composer himself. Keyboard specialist John Kitchen virtuosically evokes Handel's orchestral palette in the welter of timbres and colours which he summons forth from Jacob Kirckman's 1755 harpsichord, a classic instrument from the very apex of the English harpsichord-building tradition.

"His playing is exemplary" Early Music Review, February 2009