Priory's ''Great European Organs'' series here turns its attention to one of the most famous instruments of all. Mozart and Handel were among the many musicians who travelled to Haarlem to try the organ (built in 1738) in its early days, and more recently eminent organists and renowned record labels from all over the world have produced noteworthy recordings on this matchless Muller. I would venture to suggest, however that none has captured it quite so magnificently as this. The sound is simply luscious and the organ positively dazzles in its surrounding halo of glorious atmosphere. The balance has been well judged and although the bulk of this programme uses similar, rather heavy registrations, the tone never becomes at all irksome or tiring on the ears. This is an exceptionally fine example of recorded organ sound.
John Scott Whiteley, sub-organist at York Minister and something of an authority on the music of the early twentieth-century Belgian composer, Jongen, turns his attention to repertoire entirely suited to this instrument. He produces sturdy, no-nonsense performances very much in the English tradition of Bach playing, with sensible rather than overtly-adventurous registrations. On a lesser instrument we might look for more personality in the performances, perhaps saying something new or unusual about this wellestablished repertoire. But true organ buffs will be content to bask in the sumptuous sound of this instrument and will feel that in these homely, uncontentious performances a deeply-rooted tradition is being maintained, a tradition of which no-one should feel ashamed.'