VINCENT PERSICHETTI (1915-1987): Organ Music - Hymn Tunes “Ann Arbor”, “Primal” and “Foundations”, Chorale Prelude “Give peace, O God”, Op. 162, Auden Variations, Op. 136, Parable Vi, Op. 117, Do not go gentle, Op. 132, Dryden Liturgical Suite, Op. 144.

Description: The larger part of the Persichetti’s organ music was composed towards the end of his life, with of 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 color; and Do not go gentle, an essay for pedals alone after the Dylan Thomas poem, is a statement of austere power. Tom Winpenny (organ of St. Albans Cathedral).