Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Paul Walton is one of the finest young organists of his generation, and this is his second recording following his popular 'Rejoice And Be Merry'. The historic Walker organ of Bristol Cathedral, one of the finest English Romantic organs, is an appropriate instrument for this recital of rare British organ music from the 20th century. We open with Sir Walter Alcock's "Tocatta" before moving into the title track, composed by Basil Harwood. Next is a first recording of Jeremy Cull's reconstruction of Sir Edward Elgar's "Second Organ Sonata" from the original movements of the "Severn Suite" for brass band, which will be of great interest to all who enjoy Elgar's music. I am afraid that at this point my interest started to wane with Herbert Sumsion's "Intermezzo" and "Two Hymn-Tune Preludes" by Ralph Vaughan Williams but John Cook's "Five Studies The Form Of A Sonata", another debut recording, got me back on track and the concluding "Arioso" by Douglas Steele and Sir William Walton's "Prologue" from his 'A Wartime Sketchbook', arranged by Christopher Palmer and Robert Gower, left me wanting more. As with all Regent Record recordings the sound quality is first rate and although some - but by no means all - of the content lost my interest there is more than enough quality here to make this worth seeking out if you are interested in British organs and organ music.

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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