Christopher Boodle is active as an organist and
composer. His works include three symphonies, a Passiontide oratorio,
a dramatic cantata ‘Death of a Martyr’, chamber and church works,
plus organ music in various forms.
The chosen organ pieces on this recording span
nearly twenty years of creative endeavour. They are enjoyable
and likely to make pleasant listening for all music lovers. They
are simple in form and though lacking extensive thematic development
have great rhythmic vitality. Unpredictable tonalities take the
listener by surprise. It seems that counterpoint is not the strongest
point of Boodle’s music, which often falls back on clichés.
There are also sections (e.g. the Jazz-Fantasy on an American
Spiritual) which fail to cohere. The result is a piece that lacks
unity and fails to keep its material focused. The use of the colourful
canvas of the organ shows great skill and produces some good effects,
even though not original. The Toccata Éclatante in the
French style, is perhaps the most successful and enjoyable piece
of this CD. This music aptly complements the stops of the Moller
organ. It is enhanced by the use of a variety of nicely voiced
reeds, mellow celeste and powerful 32’ stops.
Weston’s playing has confidence, clarity and
precision and the musical shapes are nicely captured. Undoubtedly
he seems to enjoy playing this music which evinces nervous tension
as well as sensitivity when demanded. Overall a pleasant and relaxing
listen. Music of unpretentious simplicity.
Christina Antoniadou
Neil Weston (Organ)