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Priory Records—PRCD 680Great European Organs No. 57The Organ of St. John’s Church
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Victorian and Edwardian Organ Music |
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| William Faulkes (1863-1933) | Grand Chœur in D |
| Charles Macpherson (1870-1927) | Fantasy-Prelude |
| Cuthbert Harris (1870-1932) | Caprice |
| Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) | Sonata Britannica Op. 152 |
| Sir C Hubert H Parry (1848-1918) | Chorale Prelude on “Eventide” |
| Herbert Brewer (1865-1928) | Marche Héroïque |
| Frank Bridge (1879-1941) | Adagio |
| Felix Mendelssohn
(1809-1847) Arr. W.T. Best (1826-1897) |
War March of the Priests |
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67 mins 48 secs |
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Out now in all good record shops or in person from St John’s |
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Also coming soon...
A major organ project by the Royal Academy of Music and the Southwark and South London Society of Organists featuring young organ students playing mainly British organ music on twenty two historic and important organs in the Diocese of Southwark. The performer at St John's is Arnfinn Tobiassen, who played in the 2006 recital series. The double CD will be available from 7th October at the remarkable price of £10. |
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Reviews of the organ and this CD
Thomas Trotter writes: “...the Lewis is extremely superior indeed!”
David Briggs writes: “There is no doubt in my mind that St. John’s now has an organ of national significance. I found it a real inspiration!”
Choir and Organ magazine: The success of the project was overwhelmingly apparent from the enthusiastic responses of audiences [Clare Stevens]
The Organ magazine (May-July 2000) Star Recording: This superb new release in Priory’s Great European Organs series brings to light another London T.C. Lewis instrument, which more than rivals its larger counterpart in Southwark [Cathedral]. Everything about this disc is first rate. The programme and organ show that English organs and music from the early twentieth century play no second fiddle to the French symphonies and Cavaillé-Colle, and David Briggs proves himself to be a true virtuoso. An interesting booklet with comprehensive music notes and plenty of photographs is a worthy accompaniment to this beautiful recording. [Simon FitzGerald]
The Gramophone magazine (October 2000): Briggs’ programme is ideally suited to this brilliant restored organ. Although this organ may not be suited to a prestigious venue like a cathedral, city hall or concert hall, this doesn’t mean it’s an instrument of lesser quality. On the contrary, I find it has all the colour and brilliance one hears on the large organs Lewis built for Southwark Cathedral and Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow. Lovers of late 19th century British organ will be indebted to Briggs and Priory for committing to CD the magnificent sound of this Lewis instrument. [Christopher Nickol]
Roy Massey writes: “As for the organ—words cannot utter the impact it made on me. The job has come to life with the Lewis gorgeous bloom restored and the wonderful colour of each rank now stunningly apparent. There isn’t an unmusical sound on it and, undoubtedly, the instrument is a masterpiece re-created by a firm of master organ builders. Once again Harrison and Harrison have produced the goods in no uncertain fashion and you were very wise to go to them. Between you, you have achieved something quite remarkable and St. John’s is to be congratulated in having done all the right things in dealing with their fine old organ.