Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

First, the full title: 'Sounds Inspirational – Organ Music For Pentecost Played By Greg Morris In Blackburn Cathedral'. The ancient hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” provides the thematic core of the programme, announced at the outset by the commanding opening chords of a modern (1981) setting by Carl Rütti and pursued through the centuries by, amongst others, Dietrich Buxtehude, JS Bach and Maurice Duruflé. For contrast we get the unique “Messe De La Pentecôte” by Olivier Messiaen which includes the first appearance of birdsong in his writing for the instrument. So an interesting recital played on the recently restored and enlarged organ at Blackburn by the sub-organist. This is the first solo recording by Greg Morris and for enthusiasts of organ music this will be an important addition to your collection. For the rest of us it is an enjoyable listen but probably not a “must have”.

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