Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Herbert Howells was one of the key figures of 20th century cathedral music. He was born in 1892, studied under Stanford at the Royal College of Music and taught at London University well into his '80s, dying in 1983. He is best known as a choral composer but this CD is a good introduction to his organ compositions. The programme has been chosen by the performer, Christopher Stokes, organist and Master of the Choristers at Manchester Cathedral, and surveys most of the composer's career. He draws, for instance, on items from both the first set of Psalm Preludes of 1915/16 and the second set that was written in 1938, after the death of his young son Michael. The programme concludes with the "Parita" of 1971, which Howells had promised years before to write for Edward Heath who, at the time was organ scholar at Balliol, should Heath ever become Prime Minister. Howells' music demands and rewards close attention and this recital is played both competently and confidently by Christopher Stokes. Organ buffs will appreciate the detailed notes in the CD booklet.

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