John Joubert - Organ Music

The Guardian 80

Tom Winpenny (organ)
(Toccata Classics)

John Joubert, 90 last month, was steeped in the rich musical tradition of the Anglican church when at school in his native Cape Town. This release celebrates some fine examples of his contribution to that tradition, appropriately recorded on the impressive Harrison and Harrison organ at St Alban’s cathedral, site of the execution of St Alban, the subject of a 1969 cantata which in turn provided material for his dark yet consolatory Reflections on a Martyrdom from 1997, 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.