Mark Lee at the organ of Bristol Cathedral
REGENT REGCD191
69'22"
www.regentrecords.com

Mark Lee is a fine organist as you will discover from this recording from Regent. His programme opens with Sir Walter Alcock’s Introduction and Passacaglia, which certainly must have blown the cobwebs away around Bristol Cathedral. The Walker organ of 1907, restored by Manders in 1989/90 retaining its tubular pneumatic action, delivers Lee’s programme of 20th century works magnificently.

Percy Whitlock’s Sonata in C minor reflects the serious side of the composer’s personality, drawn here with light and shade, intelligence and compelling attitude by Lee. Clifford Harker, who died in 1999 and was a former organist at Bristol (1949-1983), receives a tribute from Lee in the form of a super rendition of his Rouen Processional (on Coelites Plaudant) before Easthope Martin’s Evensong, a wonderful little piece that Lee tellingly enjoys playing, marked as it is by distinct contrasts and tunes that lie easily on the ear. Mark Lee ends his recital with George C Martin’s powerful arrangement of Elgar’s Opus 32 Imperial March, setting off the organ to it’s advantage. A fine CD.

DA