Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This CD is a major new British recording of three substantial concert ante works for organ and orchestra. The featured instrument is the Klais organ in Bath Abbey and this release celebrates the 10th anniversary of its installation. The organist is Peter King, who has been director of music at Bath Abbey since 1986 and who is on top form throughout. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Francois-Xavier Roth (not a Welshman, methinks), are excellent too. The combination of organ and orchestra is wonderful and the quality of the recording, produced by Tim Thorne, is state-of-the-art. The three pieces are all examples of the late romantic era, from the early years of the 20th century. Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) in his "Suite In G For Strings And Organ" gives us an opulent and luxurious homage to the 18th century, Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) in his "Concerto In G Minor" expresses the beginnings of his spiritual reawakening, and Josef Rheinberger (1839-1901) in his "Organ Concerto No 1 In F Major" is gloriously melodic and shows off the organist's virtuosity. This is spiritual music although not explicitly Christian. Those who like a good old fashioned melody in their classical music will enjoy these three pieces.

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