This album presents a richly curated journey through the organ repertoire, performed by Michael Haynes on the celebrated 1974 Lawrence Phelps organ at Hexham Abbey. Spanning works from Bach, Clérambault, Howells, Vierne, Bridge, and Andriessen, the programme balances Baroque clarity, French colour, English lyricism, and modern harmonic depth. Bach’s major organ masterpieces form the backbone of the recording, from the grandeur of the Fantasia in C minor to the technical brilliance of the Trio Sonatas, while French repertoire showcases the organ’s distinctive reeds, cornets, and colourful registrations. Romantic and twentieth-century works add warmth, drama, and expressive breadth, revealing the instrument’s remarkable versatility and tonal imagination.

At the heart of the recording is the unique acoustic and historic presence of Hexham Abbey and its Phelps organ, an instrument renowned for its eclectic voice and praised by generations of international recitalists. Recorded in state-of-the-art DXD surround sound, the album captures both the architectural majesty of the Abbey and the intimate detail of the organ’s speech, from whispering flutes to thrilling full-organ climaxes. Haynes’ deep personal association with the instrument and venue lends the performance an authority and affection that resonate throughout, making this release not only a compelling recital disc but also a vivid sonic portrait of one of Europe’s most distinctive organs and sacred spaces.

Michael Haynes – organ