Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Not being able to speak or read Italian, I am having to guess that the sleevenotes record that the organist is Letizia Romiti who studied at Milan Cathedral and took master-classes with Ton Koopman, Kenneth Gilbert and Anton Heiler. It also seems that the organ played here was built in 2010 by Mascioni for the Catholic Parish Church of St John Evangelist in Alessandria, Italy. As to the music we get about 50 minutes of Bach enjoying the festivities with "Preludio e Fuga in Do Maggiore" (BWV 531), "Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland" (BWV 659), "In Dulci Jubilo" (BWV 729), "Pastorale in Fa (Pastorella) Das alte Jahre Vergangen ist" (BWV 614), "In dir ist Freude" (BWV 615) and "Variazioni Canoniche" (BWV 769). Trust me, even if you do not recognise the titles you will know the tunes when you hear them as Bach merrily recycles some of his own chorales. We have reviewed many organ recitals from various British instruments but this is, so far as I am aware, our first excursion to Italy. Letizia Romiti plays very well indeed, Bach stands alone as a composer, and the sound quality is excellent so this is an easy recommendation for all who enjoy classical organ music or have an interest in the organ as a solo instrument.

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.