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Christopher BOODLE (b.1952)
Sounds Exuberant - Organ Music
1. Fanfare for the Millennium with Canons [2.06]
2. Jazz-Fantasy on an American Spiritual [6.19]
3. Scherzo [7.10]
4. Christmas Sleigh-Ride [3.35]
5. Toccata Éclatante [10.43]
Little Organ Book
6. Song of Joy [1.46]
7. Interlude [1.55]
8. Song of Peace [2.24]
9. Carillon [1.21]
10. Aria [3.56]
11. Canon [2.35]
12. Beside Still Waters [2.36]
13. Pastorale [1.25]
Carillon Symphony
14. Carillon Processional [6.18]
15. Carillon Trio [3.04]
16. Carillon Counterpoints [3.18]
17. Carillon Intermezzo [6.28]
18. Carillon Finale [4.37]
Neil Weston (Organ)
Organ by M P Moller, 1991
Recorded at Spencerville Seventh Day Adventist Church, Maryland, USA
LAMMAS RECORDS LAMM 143D [71.44]


Christopher Boodle is active as an organist and composer. His works include three symphonies, a Passiontide oratorio, a dramatic cantata ‘Death of a Martyr’, chamber and church works, plus organ music in various forms.

The chosen organ pieces on this recording span nearly twenty years of creative endeavour. They are enjoyable and likely to make pleasant listening for all music lovers. They are simple in form and though lacking extensive thematic development have great rhythmic vitality. Unpredictable tonalities take the listener by surprise. It seems that counterpoint is not the strongest point of Boodle’s music, which often falls back on clichés. There are also sections (e.g. the Jazz-Fantasy on an American Spiritual) which fail to cohere. The result is a piece that lacks unity and fails to keep its material focused. The use of the colourful canvas of the organ shows great skill and produces some good effects, even though not original. The Toccata Éclatante in the French style, is perhaps the most successful and enjoyable piece of this CD. This music aptly complements the stops of the Moller organ. It is enhanced by the use of a variety of nicely voiced reeds, mellow celeste and powerful 32’ stops.

Weston’s playing has confidence, clarity and precision and the musical shapes are nicely captured. Undoubtedly he seems to enjoy playing this music which evinces nervous tension as well as sensitivity when demanded. Overall a pleasant and relaxing listen. Music of unpretentious simplicity.

Christina Antoniadou


 



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