English organ music from the Temple Church

In keeping with the historic nature of the Temple Church, the first mention of an organ there dates back to 1308—although the organ on this recording, made by Harrison & Harrison, dates from 1954 (after the previous organ was destroyed during the blitz in 1941).

The varied programme touches on a multitude of works for organ by English composers, all of which bring out different facets of this versatile instrument. The organist, James Vivian, has been part of the music department at the Temple Church since 1997, working first with the then director of music Stephen Layton before taking on the role himself in 2006.

The present album ncludes works by Percy Whitlock, Henry Walford Davies, John Stanley, Samuel Sebastian Wesley, Frank Bridge, Basil Harwood, Francis Jackson and Herbert Howells.

SIGCD223  68 minutes 1 seconds
'This new anthology is an equally satisfying and diverse programme, tailor-made for this gloriously unabashed Romantic instrument … Vivian brings the full weight and majesty of the Temple organ w ...
'James Vivian's solo disc draws on a familiar repertoire but is none the less welcome … the warmth of sound is particularly pleasing' (The Organ)