Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The latest volume in 'The English Cathedral Series' features the historic and rarely-recorded William Hill/Harrison & Harrison organ in Peterborough Cathedral, played by the current Assistant Director of Music, David Humphreys in the first solo recording of this organ for many years. The recording is particularly significant as it documents the sound of this great instrument at its current high pitch (significantly above modern concert pitch) before the organ's removal early in 2015 and the lowering of its pitch to the modern concert standard. The organ shows its versatility in a wide-ranging programme spanning five centuries. Its natural Romantic character is revealed in works by Schumann, Reger, Parry and Elgar, but earlier music is equally well served in works by Bull, Buxtehude, Bach and Mozart. The later 20th century is represented by two contrasting pieces: the slow movement of Philip Moore's "Organ Sonata" and the virtuosity of Marcel Dupré's "Final" from his set of 'Sept Pieces'. David Humphreys was Organ Scholar of Jesus College, Cambridge, and subsequently Assistant Director of Music at St Edmundsbury Cathedral from 2007, before moving to his present position at Peterborough in 2011. He studied with David Titterington, and subsequently with Thomas Trotter, both of whom should be proud at their pupil's expertise. While my enjoyment and appreciation of the programme were enhanced by Humphrey's illuminating notes I have to confess that too much of the music - well played and clearly recorded thought it indubitably is - failed to grip.

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.