Alexander Ffinch, Norman & Beard / Harrison & Harrison Organ, Cheltenham College, UK

Divine Art ★★★

The Cheltenham College organ sounds on fine form in this clever compilation of both transcriptions and original organ works. Alongside the more traditional arrangements of Elgar and Holst’s Jupiter (in a fine transcription by Thomas Trotter) Ffinch has included his own arrangement of Coldplay’s Paradise. Most interesting is Florence Price’s Suite no 1 for Organ followed by Dan Locklair’s Rubrics. This shows a fascinating progression in American writing, both imbued in different ways with American spirituals, gospel and traces of jazz. My only complaint is why it was felt necessary to significantly increase the volume for softer tracks like the Prière à Notre Dame when the balance is so good elsewhere.

This review originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Choir & Organ magazine. Never miss an issue – subscribe today