Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

One has come to expect much from this splendid series although it is next to impossible to achieve everything on every disc. We always get an excellent aural record of the organ in question with a repertoire chosen to show off the instrument in its home. This happens here with the Father Willis Organ of 1887 in good voice throughout. Also we can admire the virtuosity of Robert Sharpe who has been director of music and organist at Truro since his move from Lichfield in 2002. The selected pieces start with a sequence of French meditations from Dupré, Widor and Langlais. Next we move into a Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor from Bach (BVW542) that allows the organist and organ full reign. There follows three newer pieces by Paul Spicer: "Martyrdom Of St Oswald", an Elegy, and "Fanfares For Chad" (Chad being the Saint associated with Lichfield Cathedral). It is always interesting to hear new material although these pieces do not stand comparison with what has gone before. We finish with a Psalm Prelude and Saraband from Howells and a rousing "Pomp And Circumstance" from Elgar. Indispensable for organ lovers and enjoyable for the rest of us.

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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