Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This is volume seven in Regent Records’ trip around the cathedrals of England and this collection is as strong as all the others. Our organist is David Dunnett who has been organist and master of the music at Norwich since 1996. His recital allows the splendid instrument to show off all its paces and, for those who can tell their Cymblesterns from their Toe Pistons, there are two pages of technical details in the CD booklet. All 10 of the composers are British and from the last century although two, Ronald Watson and Patrick Gowers, are still living. The earliest is Alfred Hollins, “Edinburgh's blind organist,” who was born in 1865. The pieces chosen are technically demanding although this is by no means a “heavy” selection as several are written with the composer’s tongue in his cheek. Gowers’ “Occasional Trumpet Voluntary”, for example, borrows the familiar Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke and reworks it in the style of a French toccata. Great fun.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.