Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This recording is of interest to organ buffs in being the last blast of the venerable Willis organ of Hereford Cathedral, an instrument that still boasts pipes dating back from 1696 and that underwent rebuilds at the hands of SS Wesley and, later, Henry Willis I and III. It is being rebuilt again this year and, for this recording, Peter Dyke has selected a reflective programme composed during or immediately after the First World War. The opening item, "A Little Organ Book In Memory Of Hubert Parry", consists of a brief piece by each of 12 leading figures in English church music of the time plus the tune "Preston" by Parry himself. The remainder of the programme consists of a more extended piece by two of the contributors to the Parry memorial: CV Stanford's "Six Short Preludes And Postludes" and Frank Bridge's "Six Organ Pieces". Dyke's playing is competent but is perhaps too restrained, even given the nature of the programme, so that this listener found his attention wandering in places. As background music to a time of contemplation in a cathedral this music may well be helpful but as a home listening experience it was uninspiring.

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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