From Palaces to Pleasure Gardens

Organ works by JC Bach,

Corelli, Handel, Hook, Pepusch, J Stanley & W Russell

Thomas Trotter (organ)

Regent REGCD526 68:34 mins

The title of this new release, evoking Georgian London, suggests something really rather entertaining. If the music doesn’t all quite deliver that, it is hardly the fault of Thomas Trotter, who plays with all his customary flair and brilliance. But the repertoire featured here can represent a little too much of a not so good thing: a couple of such pieces might supply contrast in a recital, and instead they are padded out to fill an entire disc.

This is a worthy exploration of the sort of music heard in the Vauxhall Gardens, where in 1737 an organ pavilion was installed. Composers such as Corelli were regarded there as the epitome of good taste, and one of his concerto grossi is among the adaptations Trotter has made for solo keyboard. Original works – mostly voluntaries, just as likely to be encountered in church as in the parks – are featured too, by such composers as James Hook, John Stanley and William Russell. The longest work is the 12-movement Voluntary in C by

Johann Christoph Pepusch – like Handel and JC Bach, also included, a German composer who played a significant role in London’s musical life. Immigration was encouraged in those enlightened days.

At least Trotter’s varied registrations showcase what is truly interesting here: the historically significant 1735 organ in the Hawksmoor-designed Christ Church, Spitalfields. Restored only in 2015, the instrument itself is more important than some of this music. John Allison

PERFORMANCE ★★★

RECORDING ★★★