TWENTIETH CENTURY BRITISH ORGAN
MUSIC
Herbert SUMSION Introduction and Theme
(1932)
Charles MACPHERSON Fantasy-Prelude (1900);
Prelude in G (in memory of Parry)
(1924)
Heathcote STATHAM Rhapsody on a Ground
(1944)
Healey WILLAN Prelude and Fugue in C minor
(1908)
Edwin LEMARE Rondo Capriccio (1910);
Toccata and Fugue in D minor
(1915)
Christopher STEEL Variations, Toccata and Fugue on Two
Croatian Carols
(1988)
performed by ROGER FISHER
(organ) St John's Church, Ranmoor, Sheffield
rec 3-4 May 2000
AMPHION PHI CD 165
[69.19]
After their triumph with a CD of the Percy Whitlock organ symphony Martin
J Monkman's Amphion company return to the solo organ. Roger Fisher is an
open-minded and skilled advocate for this music not all of which is likely
to be familiar. The Sumsion is bold, regal and peremptory - totally unstuffy
if congealed of texture in the closing pages. Macpherson's ruminative prelude
of 1900 contrasts with the recessional stillness of the Parry memorial. Statham's
Rhapsody is evocative of the emotional heritage of the slaughter of the second
world war. Willan (a superb orchestral composer by the way) is represented
by the Prelude and Fugue in C minor. This is Gothic, statuesque, parataxis.
The Lemare Rondo is light as down and optimistic - rather Tchaikovskian in
character. For contrast there's Lemare's turbulent wartime Toccata adn Bachian
Fugue in D minor. Christopher Steel (1939-1991) with seven symphonies (numbers
4 and 5 broadcast by the BBC) to his name took a special interest in the
organ (there is a 1965 organ concerto). His Croatian Carol work is succinct
of expression and brilliant of colour. It is the only work here from the
second half of the century. The variations flood and flow along tense and
never outstaying their welcome. They together make a lovely piece and managed
to trounce this listener's aural prejudice against the organ. Welcome notes
by Kenneth Shenton - a familiar name in connection with Cyril Rootham. The
recording reveals a practised hand and ear at juggling echo and atmosphere.
Rob Barnett
CD can be ordered from AMPHION RECORDINGS at 3 Norton Lodge, 109 Beverley
Rd, NORTON-ON-DERWENT, MALTON, NORTH YORKS YO17 9PH
( 01653 698372.
There is a discount price to members of the British Music Society: £10.50
inclusive of post and packing
