The larger part of the organ music of the American composer Vincent Persichetti (1915–87) was composed towards the end of his life, with some of those pieces receiving their first recordings here. Several are based on hymn tunes, which can often be heard in the background – re-emerging in glorious affirmation in the Auden Variations. On occasion the language suggests a kaleidoscopic admixture of Hindemith and Messiaen, bristling with edgy flashes of colour; and Do not go gentle, an essay for pedals alone after the Dylan Thomas poem, is a statement of austere power. What these highly contrasted works have in common is complete textural clarity: Persichetti had been playing the organ since boyhood, and his writing for the instrument is that of a master.

Tom Winpenny is Assistant Master of the Music at St Albans Cathedral where his duties include accompanying the daily choral services and directing the acclaimed Cathedral Girls Choir. His many solo organ recordings include discs of music by Peter Racine Fricker (TOCC0518), Malcolm Williamson (TOCC0246) and John Joubert (TOCC0398) for Toccata Classics.

“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 (TOCC0246)

“brilliantly played here by Tom Winpenny. Attractive preludes on English hymn tunes and a thundering Passacaglia and Fugue make this a must for any aficionado.” – Stephen Pritchard, The Guardian (TOCC 0398)

Performed on the organ of St Albans Cathedral