Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Having completed her well received series of Bach's organ music international concert organist Margaret Phillips turns her hands - and feet - to something different, contemporary organ music. The instrument she has chosen is the new four manual Beckerath organ in Marlborough College Chapel, and indeed this is its first solo recording. It sounds good to me and organ spotters will appreciate the tech spec and photos in the CD booklet. Speaking of which, I found Miss Phillips' liner notes to be indispensable in finding my way into the music she plays so well. For example, we open with Lionel Rogg's "Homage a Franz Liszt" and the notes tell us which pieces inspired Rogg as well as giving us sufficient context to appreciate what is happening. Rogg reappears later with "Parita Sopra Nun Freut Euch" which includes an improvisation on the chorale "Now rejoice dead Christians all" which I recognised without being able to name - so again I was grateful to the notes. The other composers on the programme are Fredrik Sixten who gives us a "Prelude & Fugue In Memorium Maurice Durufle", Sebastian Forbes, Ad Wammes, Brian Chapple and Toon Hagen. Thus we get an interesting and eclectic collection of contemporary composers, a first-rate instrument and a wonderful player all recorded in pristine clarity by Gary Cole. Yes, we are off the beaten track but if you have any interest in contemporary organ music this is an easy recommendation, particularly as it is in the mid-price range.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.