Malcolm Williamson: Organ Music
Malcolm Williamson (1931-2003), Master of the Queen's Music from 1975 until his death, was a gifted pianist and organist as well as a prolific composer. His music, which began to make an impact soon after his arrival in Britain from Australia in 1953, naturally includes a substantial number of works for the organ, among them the monumental Symphony of 1960. His writing for organ is strikingly powerful in its originality and its eclectic mix of styles, ranging from lyrical introspection to dazzling virtuosity.
Tom Winpenny, organ
Listen To This Recording:
- Vision of Christ-Phoenix (1961, rev. 1978)
- Fons Amoris (1955–56)
- The Lion of Suffolk (1977)
- Mass of the People of God – Offertoire: Dialogue des Choeurs (1980–81)
- Fantasy on ‘O Paradise’ (1976)
- I Prelude
- II Sonata
- III Aria I
- IV Toccata
- V Aria II – Passacaglia
- VI Paean
Symphony for Organ (1960)
The Sunday Times :
‘The last but one Master of the Queen’s Music was a distinguished organist as well as composer, and this disc, impressively realised by Winpenny, presents six pieces culminating in the grand Symphony for Organ (1960), one of the most substantial contributions to the instrument’s modern repertoire. …If the prolific Williamson had written nothing else, he would still be remembered for this beautiful, colourful, profound essay.’ The Sunday Times
Bruce Reader :
‘…Tom Winpenny gives us some terrific performances aided much by the sound of the magnificent H & H organ which is splendidly caught in the fine recording.’
—Bruce Reader, The Classical Reviewer
The Sunday Times :
‘Williamson’s Symphony for Organ (1960) is an outstanding contribution to the instrument’s modern repertoire – beautiful, colourful and profound.’
—Paul Driver, The Sunday Times
Fanfare Magazine :
‘[Tom Winpenny] performs splendidly here […] [the work’s] drama and high quality strongly compels the rediscovery of Williamson’s organ music, and Winpenny is to be commended for this fine survey—especially for including the rarely-performed but striking symphony.’
—Carson Cooman, Fanfare Magazine, November/December 2014
BBC Music Magazine :
‘Williamson composed flashy. Messiaenesque music that comes to life again in Winpenny’s virtuosic playing. Vision of Christ-Phoenix and the monumental Symphony are highlights.’
—John Allison, BBC Music Magazine, September 2014