David Goode performs the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach on the renowned Metzler Söhne organ of Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge, in a new a set spanning 16 albums and over 17 hours and 40 minutes of music. Covering the multiplicity of genres and stylistic influences that typified Bach’s organ music, the set includes complete recordings of the Chorale preludes, the six Sonatas, and the many preludes, toccatas, fugues, fantasias, chorales and partitas. The accompanying 136-page booklet includes background information on each work by organist George Parsons, along with an introduction to the set by David Goode. As well as a tracklisting, the booklet includes indexes to the works by BWV number and alphabetical order. “This series is notable for the flair, clarity and spontaneity that Goode brings to this timeless music” (Gramophone)

REVIEW

This cycle of Bach's Complete Organ Works occupied David Goode between January 2015 and August 2016 and was originally issued as separate volumes, but now Signum Classics have released them as a 16 CD set. Centre stage is the magnificent Metzler organ of Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge, which ranks as one of the finest in the UK. The Signum engineers have done a sterling job with the sound quality. The cycle certainly stands shoulder to shoulder with some of my favorite traversals, including those by Christopher Herrick, Peter Hurford, Lionel Rogg and André Isoir.

--MusicWeb International

Emma Whitten performs on the re-envisioned and restored Hazel Wright Organ in Christ Cathedral’s fresh acoustical space. “Every time I play The Hazel Wright Organ, I discover something new - it is truly a joy to play! I’m thrilled that the music on this recording showcases the entire instrument, from exquisite solo colors to the breathtaking power of full organ.”

Emma Whitten is an accomplished organist specializing in early Baroque and contemporary repertoire. Dr. Whitten serves as Associate Organist at Christ Cathedral (formerly Crystal Cathedral) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County, California. As Associate Organist, Emma plays for major liturgies at the Cathedral and accompanies the Diocesan Choir. Emma also acts as Music Coordinator at the historic Church of the Immaculate Conception in San Diego, and maintains a private teaching studio in Oceanside, California. Emma holds degrees in organ performance from the University of Notre Dame (2009), University of Kansas (2011), and Arizona State University (2014), where she received her D.M.A. studying with Kimberly Marshall.

A New England Requiem joins traditional Latin mass text and poems by Dickinson, Hawthorne, Longfellow, and Sigourney. Additional works by Perkins set familiar sacred texts in a cappella and orchestral arrangements. Composer and Connecticut native Scott Perkins enjoys a multifaceted career as composer, scholar and professor. He received his PhD in composition from the Eastman School of Music, he is currently Assistant Professor of Music at California State University, Sacramento. “Perfectly Orchestrated… Haunting… A remarkable and welcome musical surprise.” (Washington Times)

CPO’s successful Reger edition continues here with the fifth volume in the successful series, even as critics are still raving about the previous release. Musik & Theater wrote of Volume 4: “These recordings number among the best currently available.” The German organist and choral conductor, Gerhard Weinberger, studied organ with Franz Lehrndorfer and church music at the Musikhochschule in Munich. In 1971, he was the prize winner in organ at the renowned international ARD Music Competition. In 1974, after spending three years directing the choir at Saint Lorenz Basilica in Kempten, Gerhard Weinberger assumed a teaching post in organ and church music at the Munich Musikhochschule. He was Professor of Organ there from 1977 to 1983. Currently he is Professor of Organ and Director of the Church Music Department at the Hochschule für Musik in Detmold, Germany. He is a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, and of the Leipzig New Bach Society directorate. Gerhard Weinberger's wide repertoire ranges from pre-Baroque to music of the 20th century, with a special emphasis on the works of J.S. Bach and Max Reger. He has given recitals throughout Europe, Asia and America.

Following the success of her first recording at Grace Cathedral, Susan Jane Matthews presents another recital program on Grace's vintage "American Classic" Aeolian-Skinner organ. Susan Jan eMatthews reveals the extraordinary tonal resources of this historic instrument, set in an acoustic room with powerful bass and long reverberation. "Opus 910 has a sound like no other and produces effects that are magical - hard to describe and impossible to imitate." (Jack M. Bethards, Schoenstein & Co. Curators) Former Principal Organist of Grace Cathedral, Susan Jane Matthews has also concertized widely and been featured on Pipedreams, The Organ Loft, and With Heart and Voice radio programs. As Director of Music at St. paul's Episcopal Church in Burlingame, CA., she is organist, Director of the Chancel Choir, and Founding Director of the St. Paul's Choir School for Boys and Girls. This is her second recording for Gothic Records.

King Charles III’s coronation on 6th May 2023 showcased the link between music and monarchy. Th is album sets this historic moment firmly within the rich tapestry of music and monarchs past. Recorded amidst the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, the programme transports us to points when the link between the British monarchy and music has been formalised – from coronations to royal weddings to more subtle stories of royal intervention – all the while celebrating the musical output of composers who have flourished with royal endorsement. We are meanwhile reminded that the British monarchy has played an important role as patron to the arts, including music. This album sits perfectly in the CRD catalogue and is an important release for listeners worldwide. It follows King Charles III’s coronation which highlighted yet again the role of music for both contemplation and celebration. Meanwhile, on a personal note, I Was Glad happens to have been the most-loved anthem of CRD’s founding director, Graham Pauncefort, and formed a critical part of our initiation into that cherished British tradition of choral singing so superbly represented here. With a 50 year history of triumphing British music and musicians behind us, we are indeed ‘glad’ to be sharing this life-enhancing collaboration between Th e Band of the Household Cavalry and the Choir of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, masterfully guided by Major Paul Collis-Smith and James Vivian. [Emma Pauncefort & Tom Pauncefort, CRD]