Starter Packs

Complete your collection with these curated titles, grouped at a special discount.

Shop Now
Parallels - Late Romantic & Contemporary Organ Music / Ffinch
Divine Art

Parallels - Late Romantic & Contemporary Organ Music / Ffinch

Romantic Spiritual Dramatic Virtuosic Romantic
$20.99

Details

Composer
Leon Boellmann, Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst, Dan Locklair, Chris Martin, Florence Price
Artist
Alexander Ffinch
Format
CD
Label
Divine Art
Released
Mar 01, 2024
Catalog #
DDX 21112
UPC
809730111228

About

Parallels is meticulously curated album that explores the organ’s remarkable breadth and sonority. Featuring three monumental organ works and delightful arrangements of English classics, the collection is a testament to the grandeur and versatility of the instrument.

Florence Price's Suite No. 1, makes its debut commercial recording. This substantial and captivating composition draws inspiration from spirituals, hymns, and pentatonic themes, showcasing a harmonious fusion of jazz influences. The rhythmic drive and themes in the final Toccato pay homage to the engaging Rubrics by Dan Locklair, creating a seamless connection between the featured works. The album's title, Parallels, reflects Florence Price's artistic vision, aiming to convey a heritage through the past while being influenced by contemporary contacts. This intention is beautifully realised in Suite No. 1, where the chromatic harmony reminiscent of Suite Gothique meets the rhythmic vitality of Rubrics. As a nod to the present day, the album includes Alexander's own arrangement of Coldplay's hit single Paradise, seamlessly blending modernity with Price's timeless compositions. Parallels is not just an album; it's a transformative auditory experience that invites listeners to explore the intersections of tradition and innovation on the Harrison and Harrison organ. The past converges with the present in perfect harmony.

The surprise appearances of music not typically associated with the organ successfully adds an element of excitement and discovery. The album also features splendid organ arrangements of English staples like Elgar's Chanson de Matin and Pomp and Circumstance, further showcasing the instrument's versatility. "Parallels" is an invitation to discover the intersections of tradition and innovation, a celebration of timeless compositions, and a showcase of the capabilities of Cheltenham College Chapel’s Harrison and Harrison organ. This album also celebrates the 150th anniversary of Gustav Holst’s birth with the inclusion of Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity fromThe Planets Op. 32 arranged by Thomas Trotter.

Alexander Ffinch has established himself as a renowned organist with performances spanning the UK, Europe, USA, and Asia. Notable for his role as the College Organist at Cheltenham College since 2004, Alexander oversees daily organ performances in the College Chapel and accompanies choirs while maintaining an active schedule as a recitalist, featuring prominently in events like the Cheltenham International Music Festival and BBC Radio 3 broadcasts. His 2019 album, "Transformations" (DDA 25193), received critical acclaim.

Tracklist 18 tracks

  1. 1 The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity (arr. T. Trotter for organ) 08:34
    Track
    1
    Title
    The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity (arr. T. Trotter for organ)
    Duration
    08:34
    Composer
    Gustav Holst
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  2. 2 I. Fantasy 04:30
    Track
    2
    Title
    I. Fantasy
    Duration
    04:30
    Composer
    Florence Beatrice Price
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  3. 3 II. Fughetta 02:31
    Track
    3
    Title
    II. Fughetta
    Duration
    02:31
    Composer
    Florence Beatrice Price
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  4. 4 III. Air 03:23
    Track
    4
    Title
    III. Air
    Duration
    03:23
    Composer
    Florence Beatrice Price
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  5. 5 IV. Toccato 03:04
    Track
    5
    Title
    IV. Toccato
    Duration
    03:04
    Composer
    Florence Beatrice Price
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  6. 6 Paradise (arr. A. Ffinch for organ) 03:43
    Track
    6
    Title
    Paradise (arr. A. Ffinch for organ)
    Duration
    03:43
    Composer
    Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, Brian Eno, Chris Martin
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  7. 7 Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, "Enigma": Variation 9: Nimrod (A.J. Jaeger) (arr. W.H. Harris for organ) 03:34
    Track
    7
    Title
    Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, "Enigma": Variation 9: Nimrod (A.J. Jaeger) (arr. W.H. Harris for organ)
    Duration
    03:34
    Composer
    Edward Elgar
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  8. 8 I. "Hallelujah,' has been restored …" 02:20
    Track
    8
    Title
    I. "Hallelujah,' has been restored …"
    Duration
    02:20
    Composer
    Dan Locklair
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  9. 9 II. "Silence may be kept" 03:29
    Track
    9
    Title
    II. "Silence may be kept"
    Duration
    03:29
    Composer
    Dan Locklair
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  10. 10 III. " … and thanksgivings may follow." 02:01
    Track
    10
    Title
    III. " … and thanksgivings may follow."
    Duration
    02:01
    Composer
    Dan Locklair
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  11. 11 IV. "The Peace may be exchanged." 03:07
    Track
    11
    Title
    IV. "The Peace may be exchanged."
    Duration
    03:07
    Composer
    Dan Locklair
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  12. 12 V. "The People respond - Amen!" 02:09
    Track
    12
    Title
    V. "The People respond - Amen!"
    Duration
    02:09
    Composer
    Dan Locklair
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  13. 13 5 Military Marches, Op. 39, "Pomp and Circumstance": No. 1 in D Major, "Land of Hope and Glory" (arr. E. Lemare for organ) 06:37
    Track
    13
    Title
    5 Military Marches, Op. 39, "Pomp and Circumstance": No. 1 in D Major, "Land of Hope and Glory" (arr. E. Lemare for organ)
    Duration
    06:37
    Composer
    Edward Elgar
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  14. 14 Chanson de matin, Op. 15, No. 2 (arr. A.H. Brewer) 03:17
    Track
    14
    Title
    Chanson de matin, Op. 15, No. 2 (arr. A.H. Brewer)
    Duration
    03:17
    Composer
    Edward Elgar
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  15. 15 I. Introduction - Choral: Maestoso - 02:20
    Track
    15
    Title
    I. Introduction - Choral: Maestoso -
    Duration
    02:20
    Composer
    Léon Boëllmann
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  16. 16 II. Menuet gothique: Allegro - 03:15
    Track
    16
    Title
    II. Menuet gothique: Allegro -
    Duration
    03:15
    Composer
    Léon Boëllmann
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  17. 17 III. Prière à Notre-Dame: Très lent 04:59
    Track
    17
    Title
    III. Prière à Notre-Dame: Très lent
    Duration
    04:59
    Composer
    Léon Boëllmann
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch
  18. 18 IV. Toccata: Allegro 04:15
    Track
    18
    Title
    IV. Toccata: Allegro
    Duration
    04:15
    Composer
    Léon Boëllmann
    Performer
    Alexander Ffinch