In 1988 the Dutch organ firm of Flentrop built an 18th-century Dutch-style instrument for Dunblane's 13th-century cathedral. Despite this deliberately antiquated approach the instrument's 41 stops provide an infinite variety of tonal colour and, in the hands of a sympathetic player, do justice to a wide range of repertory. Christopher Nickol (Cambridge-born but now a resident of Glasgow) has chosen an eclectic programme encompassing organ music from four different centuries and six countries.
In the opening piece, Handel's Overture to Il pastor fido, the ear quickly becomes accustomed to the clarity and brightness of this instrument. Contrasting use of the three manuals closely reflects the original orchestration. This is followed by two pieces from Reger's Op 59 which show the composer in a reflective, meandering mood.
The delightful Divertimento by the American Robert Cundick (b 1926) is entertaining, tuneful and direct and makes a welcome contrast to the rather brittle Partita, 'Veni Creator Spiritus' by the Norwegian Knut Nystedt (b 1915), which consists of 11 variations.
Sweelinck's four variations on the chorale Herzlich lieb hab' ich dich, O Herr work well on this instrument. Registrations range from the crystalline to the chunky. There is also plenty of sparkle in Lemmens's Fanfare, Cantabile and Finale which brings the disc to a close.
Nickol is always alert to the textual nuances. His playing is expressive, supple and engaging. Only once does his judgement falter, in Thalben-Ball's Tune in E, which is taken too slowly. The recording quality is up to Priory's usual high standard.'