A mouth-watering programme, containing four of the finest romantic works for organ. Hindemith is probably the only name widely known, but if anyone thinks of him as a rather dry composer they should listen to Weir’s outstanding performance of his Sonata No 1. As Dame Gillian says in her programme notes, this is the most romantic of Hindemith’s three sonatas, but it gives her the opportunity to bring to the fore the more classical sounds of the Aeolian-Skinner organ.
This instrument was designed by Dame Gillian’s husband, Lawrence Phelps, and is one of the largest in the USA. It has a thrilling tutti and a huge range of lovely colours which Dame Gillian exploits with complete mastery. It receives a fine, natural recording from Priory, and organ buffs will be well satisfied with the detailed notes about the instrument.
Dame Gillian’s virtuoso playing vividly communicates itself to the listener, and at all times she performs with clarity of articulation and flexibility of tempo. Perhaps there’s a little too much rubato in the Willan, especially in the Passacaglia, and one may prefer the more natural flow of Francis Jackson’s inspired 1964 recording. However the Jongen and Reubke sonatas receive strong, dramatic performances which are amongst the finest ever recorded. In comparison, Filsell’s Reubke, although impeccably played, feels a little cool. I look forward to the next two volumes in Priory’s Organ Master Series; meanwhile we can enjoy this irresistible combination of great music, great playing and a spectacular instrument.'