Arnold Cooke: Organ Music
The music of Arnold Cooke, born in Yorkshire in 1906, had already fallen into neglect by the time of his death 99 years later. Cooke was a prolific composer, with two operas, six symphonies, numerous concertos and a generous amount of chamber music to his credit – nor did he neglect the organ, as this album of his major organ pieces reveals. Cooke’s style owes much to his teacher, Hindemith, not least since both men were natural contrapuntists, although there are also points of contact with Bartók and Shostakovich, and occasional touches of Walton’s ceremonial sparkle and no-nonsense grandeur.
Tom Winpenny, organ of St Albans Cathedral
Listen To This Recording:
- I Allegro moderato
- II Andante
- III Allegro con brio
- Poco lento – Allegro
- Prelude (Allegro)
- Intermezzo (Andante)
- Finale (Allegro moderato)
- Sarabande, D34
- Toccata (Allegro moderato)
- Aria (Andante)
- I Chaconne (Moderato)
- II Allegro vivace
- III Andante
- IV Jig (Allegro con brio)
- Impromptu, D105
- Prelude for Tudeley, D166
- I Fantasia (Allegro moderato)
- II Aria (Lento)
- III Scherzo (Vivace)
- IV Finale (Allegro)
Sonata No. 1 in G, D118 (1971)*
Fantasia, D95 (1962)*
Prelude, Intermezzo and Finale, D87 (1962)*
Sarabande, D34 (1960–61)
Toccata and Aria, D104 (1966)
Suite in G, D167 (1989)
Impromptu, D105 (1966)
Prelude for Tudeley, D166 (1989)
Sonata No. 2 in E, D146 (1980)
FIRST RECORDINGS
MusicWeb International :
‘Tom Winpenny has become one of the leading organists on record. His expertise and technical command is clear in every bar of this recording, in stimulating and absorbing performances. […]
The recording, engineered by Andrew Post, is ideal. It is clear and resonant, allowing the listener to gain a sense of “being there”. […]
Arnold Cooke’s music is a subtle fusion of German technique with a largely English sensibility. It is a perfect synthesis of styles.’
—John France, MusicWeb International