As organ DVDs go, this is one of the best, since it appeals to both lovers of fine organ music, brilliantly played, as well as those who appreciate the beauties within and without the freshly cleaned Cathedral itself. It’s worth buying just for the wealth of visual riches on display.

One could not wish for a more genial or engaging guide than the Cathedral’s organist, Simon Johnson. A brilliant and sensitive musician, his deeply satisfying programme more than does justice to the vast five-manual Willis/Mander organ and its awe-inspiringly cavernous acoustic. Almost every piece has an association with the building: Clarke, Greene, Mendelssohn and Handel played there and Parry is buried in the crypt. The centrepiece of the programme, Bonnet’s substantial Variations, shows Johnson’s impeccable technique at its best. He is not a showman (thankfully), achieving greatness through his calm, “compact” demeanour. One marvels at his ability to control so many disparate organ divisions. The new nave console is used – a handsome “mission control” if ever there was one – and the camerawork is up to Priory’s excellent standards.

Conscious of the present Cathedral’s pre-Great Fire of London Gothic predecessor, Johnson gives a highly effective performance of the Andante sostenuto from Widor’s Symphonie gothique. Equally enjoyable is Karg-Elert’s atmospheric Harmonies du soir, with its Gallic, impressionistic tang. The final bars feature the exquisite French Horn stop added to the instrument in 1930. Spine-tinglingly sublime.

The bonus tracks are superb, especially Johnson’s commentary on his performance of Cocker’s evergreen Tuba Tune. Many organists will be envious of the plethora of tubas and solo reeds at Johnson’s disposal. The new Mander Dome reeds are displayed in all their glory, together with the West Section Royal Trumpets. Viewers with 5:1 surround sound will be in shock!