The first thing to say about this handsome new collection (2019) is that the word 'ceremonial', is somewhat misleading . . . Francis Jackson's Prelude on East Acklam is lovely (despite the weird harmonies of the hymn itself) though hardly ceremonial . . . There are some new commissions: Gabriel lackson's dashing (in both senses of the word) Carillon for Louise and Nick, for instance, with its dizzying changes of time signature. And the distinguished Paisley organist George Mcphee's expressive Prelude on 'Bunessan' (Morning has broken). A useful and well-produced selection of pieces for a 'wide range of uses' indeed. * Francis O'Gorman, Organists' Review, December 2019 *
This most welcome second collection, comprising no fewer than 25 individual pieces from a wide range of composers from J. S. Bach to Gabriel Jackson, offers items which are appropriate for almost any occasion where ceremonial organ music is required, presented in performing editions which will earn the gratitude of all organists. The presentation is of Oxford's customary immaculate manner, and amongst the well-known pieces . . . are such unusual (but enormously relevant and effective) pieces as Reger's Fugue on the British National Anthem and Sousa's Washington Post march. One surely cannot find a volume of comparable quality anywhere else a apart from in Book 1, that is. Most comprehensively recommended. * Robert Matthew-Walker, The Organ, Autumn 2019 *
