Compared with the four Romantic works on Volume 1 (1/01)‚ the compositions on this CD have a lighter‚ sunnier and at times witty character to them. A delightful programme from European composers of the 16th‚ 18th and 20th centuries which shows off every nuance of the Hexham Abbey organ. This fine instrument perfectly illustrates the old saying ‘small is beautiful’. Although it has only 34 stops over two manuals and pedals‚ it has more strength of character‚ beauty and variety than many English cathedral organs. The recording places it in rather a close perspective‚ but this does allow the listener to savour the supreme artistry of organ­builder and organist. Such is Dame Gillian’s outstanding musicianship that it’s easy to imagine her as a singer‚ conductor or ballerina. More than any other player she has the ability to make the organ dance (as in the Attaignant and Schnizer works)‚ sing (in the slower passages of the Mozart and Françaix pieces)‚ and her command of the organ’s resources in the Hindemith Sonata echoes that of a great conductor. I have a small reservation about the Bach; her performance at times sounds too deliberately worked out‚ whereas Koopman’s playing has a natural‚ uninhibited flow. However‚ her virtuosity is evident in all the pieces‚ and her enthusiasm for the music and the organ is reflected in her programme notes. One is left with the impression that she enjoyed making this CD‚ and it should bring much pleasure to all music lovers.