Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This release will, no doubt, have organ aficionados cheering to the echo. For the first time the 1939 Rushworth & Draper organ, the largest in Scotland, is heard on disc. This being a Delphian recording we are guaranteed a first-rate acoustic experience and Edinburgh's City Organist, John Kitchen, harnesses this king of instruments in a varied recital. For the less committed music lover there is still much to enjoy. The best-known item on the menu is Elgar's "Pomp And Circumstance March No 1" and many of us will recognise the hymn tunes by Stanford, Milford and Parry. The other composers included are Guilmant, Durufle, Widor, Asthma, Rowley and Kee. Most of these names need no introduction to those familiar with organ music but the general listener may find this a little too specialised to be attractive but then I suppose other than tourists visiting the "Mither Kirk" in Stirling no one is going to buy this on a whim. For collectors of organ music this is an essential purchase but for the rest of us it is interesting without being vital.

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.

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