Christmas organ music is on offer at St Albans Cathedral this Sunday (6)
From 5.15pm, Assistant Master of the Music at the Cathedral, Tom Winpenny, will play La Nativité du Seigneur, a series of nine short meditations on the Christmas story by the doyen of French organ composers, Olivier Messiaen.
Tom said: “Messiaen’s music is some of the most vivid and evocative in the organ repertoire and this work has become something of a modern classic.”
He explained that the recital lasted about 60 minutes and would provide an opportunity for quiet reflection and time to appreciate the stillness of the cathedral.
He added: “This colourful and engaging work, which includes movements depicting the Virgin and Child, the shepherds and the kings, displays magnificently the colours of the cathedral’s renowned Harrison & Harrison organ – from the most delicate soft sounds to the majesty of the full organ.”
The recital is free with a retiring collection and precedes choral evensong at 6.30pm with music for Advent sung by the cathedral choir.
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