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For the Iron Voice
21st Century Organ Music
Paul Walton
Organ of Bridlington Priory
‘Paul Walton plays with great virtuosity’ Choir & Organ September 2016
‘Paul Walton’s virtuosity as an organist is apparent throughout and he displays the huge organ of Bridlington Priory to excellent effect.’
Cathedral Music 1/2017
An unusual collection of contemporary organ music, ranging from the searing virtuosity of new works by John Pickard and Nicolas Kingman, to the lyrical beauty of Paul Fisher, Alan Gibbs, and David Briggs. The disc takes its name from the three-movement showpiece suite for organ ‘For the Iron Voice’ by Philip Wilby, here receiving its first complete recording.
The organ of Bridlington Priory is one of the largest and finest parish church organs in the UK. It was built by the Belgian firm Anneessens and installed in the Priory in the spring of 1889. In 2005/6 the organ was rebuilt by Nicholsons and Co from the ground up with a new building frame and tonal modifications and additions to produce a reliable, comprehensive, perfectly balanced instrument. It was dedicated by Archbishop John Sentamu in April 2006.
Paul Walton is Assistant Organist of Bristol Cathedral, and director of the Bristol Phoenix Choir. He studied at the Royal Northern College of Music under Margaret Philips, Matthew Owens, and Kevin Bowyer. This is his third solo recording on Regent.
Some reviews of Paul Walton’s previous recordings on Regent:
‘total and entirely unself-conscious commitment, and a palpable sense of belief in both instrument and repertoire… Very recommendable’
Choir and Organ Magazine
‘Cunningly compiled recital… Try his barnstorming assault on David Briggs's jubilant Sortie on ‘In dulci jubilo’ for size - epic!’
BBC Music Magazine
‘some especially beautiful, quiet music, notably Barber’s Chorale Prelude on Silent Night’… also an exhilarating transcription of Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride’
David Mellor, The Mail on Sunday
Tesserae – John Pickard (b. 1963) 11:05
Pastorale (‘…green and pleasant land’) – Alan Gibbs (b. 1932) 4:59
Evening Voluntary – Elizabeth Winters (b. 1979) 5:57
Three Pieces – Homage à Jehan Alain – Nicolas Kingman (b. 1976) 14:13
Scherzo – Paul Fisher (b. 1943) 5:45
For the Iron Voice – Philip Wilby (b. 1949) 9:10
Song without Words – David Briggs (b. 1962) 6:15
The Legend of St Nicholas – David Briggs 20:09
Total Playing time: 77:37
All first recordings, except tracks 2, 9 and 10
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