Organ Music (Stephen Cleobury)

In the hallowed halls of King's College in Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury takes us on a journey through the organ music of Herbert Howells in this debut volume. Howells, often overshadowed by his contemporaries, makes a triumphant resurgence with Cleobury at the helm of the King's College organ. From the opening notes of "Master Tallis's Testament," Cleobury's fingers dance across the keys with a finesse that would make even Mozart jealous. The grandeur of King's College organ only enhances the already enchanting compositions of Howells, creating a sonic masterpiece that will leave you breathless. As we delve deeper into the album, tracks like "Paean" and "Rhapsody No. 1" showcase Howells' versatility as a composer, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Cleobury's interpretation is nothing short of awe-inspiring, breathing new life into these timeless classics. However, it is on the mesmerizing "Psalm-Preludes" that Cleobury truly shines, his technical prowess and emotional depth shining through with every note. The sheer power and beauty of his performance will leave you in a state of musical ecstasy. In conclusion, Stephen Cleobury's rendition of Herbert Howells' organ music is a triumph in every sense of the word. With Volume 1 setting the bar high, we can only hope that future volumes will continue to astound and delight us. Howells may have been overlooked in the past, but with Cleobury at the helm, his music will undoubtedly stand the test of time.