This CD, actually the sixth by Ronald Frost to be recorded
by Dunelm recently, is devoted to Christmas music from Germany, France
and America with a few English rarities scattered therein. Mr. Frost’s
own Nicola Variations, occasionally astringent, are inventive
and concise and well worth recording. John Ebenezer West was a music
advisor to Novello’s and his Fantasy (on The First Nowell and
Good King Wenceslas) is a straightforward pot-pourri rather than
a major piece, though enjoyable on its own terms and Gordon Phillips
(1908-91) for many years Organist at All-Hallows-by-the-Tower, treats
his carols (O Little Town [the Forest Green tune] and
The Holly and the Ivy) with simplicity and brevity.
St. Ann’s must be delighted to have its fine instrument
so fully covered and this latest instalment, well recorded and presented
is, again, thoroughly recommended.
P.L.Scowcroft
RONALD FROST at the organ
of St. Ann’s Church, Manchester