Christopher Herrick, renowned for his dynamic 'Organ Fireworks' series, presents a captivating and inspiring collection with "Organ Dreams, Vol. 1 – Organ of the Temple Church, London." Recorded in the historic Temple Church in the heart of London, this album showcases the exquisite vintage Harrison organ, originally built for a Scottish stately home in the 1920s and later brought to London by Thalben-Ball.
The repertoire on this album is thoughtfully curated to complement both the unique qualities of the organ and the acoustic richness of the church. Herrick includes works by Walford Davies and Thalben-Ball, who consecutively held the post of Organist at the Temple Church earlier in the 20th century. The selection spans a variety of styles and moods, from the solemn and reflective to the lively and triumphant.
With a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, the album features 12 tracks, including notable pieces such as "March of the Templars, Op. 56 (Arr. Best)," "Jerusalem the Golden," and "The Dream of Gerontius: The Angel's Farewell (Arr. Brewer)." The album was released on July 1, 1998, under the Hyperion label, and it stands as a rare and remarkable recording that highlights the beauty and versatility of the Temple Church's historic organ. Whether you're an avid fan of organ music or a newcomer to the genre, Christopher Herrick's "Organ Dreams, Vol. 1" offers a captivating and enriching listening experience.