The title of this CD, ‘Supernova’, probably refers to the movements from Holst’s suite, but as The Planets’ starting point is astrological rather than astronomical it might be regarded as a misnomer. Duruflé and Reubke’s pieces are arguably well-known enough not to need elaborate packaging to convince listeners of their excellence.

It’s a pity that Nolan chose to record these particular original organ works as they’ve already been covered by other artists. His performances are competent, with a good forward momentum, but his Duruflé can’t compare with Eric Lebrun’s sparkling playing and Colin Walsh’s magisterial performance (listed above). These two players give us the entire Suite; I can’t explain why Nolan omits the ‘Prelude’ as there would easily have been room for it.

The Reubke is suitably dramatic, but Nolan’s playing can’t withstand the towering musicianship of Jeremy Filsell and Gillian Weir. There are also some clumsy, abrupt changes of colour and dynamics in the Sonata and in Holst’s ‘Venus’. On the other hand, ‘Mars’ and ‘Jupiter’, with excellent playing, are more successful. They’re well suited to the grand sound of the Ripon organ, but unfortunately the recording is a little distant and subdued. You’ll hear a more vivid sound image of this splendid instrument on Christopher Herrick’s recent Hyperion CD ‘Organ Dreams 2’ (9/00).

Nolan’s is a promising disc, but I look forward to hearing him in 10 years’ time with a more enterprising programme.