Various composers

English Organ Music from the Temple Church

James Vivian

Label: Signum Classics
Format: CD
Barcode: 0635212022320

Catalog number: SIGCD 223
Releasedate: 01-01-11

http://www.signumrecords.com/products/booklets/SIGCD223booklet.pdf

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.

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

This album is complemented by the release The Temple Church Choir's 'The Majesty of Thy Glory': Choral Works by Britten, Elgar, Howells and Purcell, also released this month.

Fanfare (from 'Four Extemporizations')