Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The organ at Blackburn Cathedral was restored and enlarged at the start of the new millennium and the Lammas team obviously like what they hear as this is the fourth recording they have made that uses the instrument. Sound quality is excellent, the organ seems to be a splendid beast and organ buffs may want to hear this recording to judge for themselves. As for content Stephen Farr, organist of Guildford Cathedral, chose two associated works. The longer of the two is a "Missa Pro Defunctis" commissioned by him from David Briggs. The work is inspired by the composer's conception of a lost work by Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986), an organ suite he was working on when commissioned to write his Requiem. In form and style it is more homage than pastiche. This new piece is accompanied by a work by Duruflé himself: a "Suite" (Opus 5). If you like Duruflé then I need say little more. The playing is excellent and Stephen Farr is obviously an organist with a future. If Duruflé is new to you then this may not be the best place to start. His place in the canon of 20th century composers for organ is assured but he is an acquired taste.

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