This disc is one of two recorded by Dunelm at St. Ann’s,
Manchester where Ronald Frost is Organist (the organ’s specification
and history appears in the booklet). The other CD, DRD0167, contains
no British music but the British pieces on this one are all of interest.
Camidge’s Concerto, sounding as though it was composed
around 1780, at the latest, though its date could be considerably later
(Camidge, one of a dynasty who were York Minster Organists, lived until
1844), is enjoyable and fairly familiar, having been recorded at least
twice in the LP era. Ian Milnes’ two pieces are both transcriptions
from earlier works by him but they work well on the organ, though the
Meditation clearly shows its choral provenance. Mr. Frost’s Variations
are inventive; the astringency of the final fugue is happily resolved
at the very end. Douglas Steele – incidentally his dates are 1910-1998,
not, as stated here, 1910-38* – I have encountered previously and like
the charm of his music. The Intrada is, as Mr. Frost’s note puts it,
strikingly like Percy Whitlock; Ryburn contains a brief quotation from
Gerontius ; and On the Triad is spiced at the climax with high,
triumphant chords.
Ronald Frost, one of our finest organists, plays this
music (and Bach, Guilmant and Liszt) thoughtfully and with great accomplishment.
Excellent recording and good presentation. Recommended.
* Corrected in the later printing
P.L. Scowcroft
Dunelm Records, 2 Park Close, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13
7RQ
Available to callers from St. Ann’s Church, St. Ann Street, Manchester
at £10, from local Manchester record shops, or directly from Dunelm
Records by mail order, by e-mail: sales@dunelm-records.co.uk
or by using the order form on the web site www.dunelm-records.co.uk
at £10 + postage and packing of 95 pence for one CD or £ 1-24 for two.
RONALD FROST (organ, St.
Ann’s, Manchester).