The Grand Organ of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is a monumental instrument by any stretch of the imagination. It is physically massive and acoustically commanding. Construction of the Cathedral itself began in 1904 and was not finished until 1978. Building of the organ was contracted to Messrs. Henry Willis and Sons, Ltd during 1912. Due to the First World War, the main part of the Cathedral was not complete until 1924. The organ was partially installed by the time of the building’s consecration on 19 July 1924. Work on the instrument was finalised during 1926. At this time, it was the largest pipe organ in the world. It remains the largest in the United Kingdom.
According to the Cathedral
Website, there are currently more than 11,000 speaking pipes and more than two
hundred stops. There are five manuals: Great Solo and Bombarde organs in the
South case and the Swell, Choir and Positif located in the North case. The
Pedal stops are split between the two cases. Additional divisions include the
Corona Organ, installed in 1997 high under the tower vaulting, and the Central
Organ, added in 2007 on the South Central Gallery. The two consoles are in a
gallery beneath the North Choir case, and a mobile one at floor level, gifted
in 1989.
Noel Rawsthorne (1929–2019) was a distinguished British organist and composer, best known for his long tenure as Organist of Liverpool Cathedral from 1955 to 1980. A former chorister at the cathedral, he studied with Harold Dawber, Fernando Germani, and Marcel Dupré. Renowned for his virtuosity and flair, he toured internationally, including giving important recitals in the former USSR. His compositions - ranging from liturgical works to a humorous organ piece like Hornpipe Humoresque - remain popular, especially in Liverpool. He also served as City Organist at St George’s Hall and taught at St Katharine’s College (now Liverpool Hope University.) He was succeeded in 1980 by the present incumbent Professor Dr. Ian Tracy.
It is always good to hear a measured performance of the hackneyed Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV 565. Possibly not by JSB, this warhorse never fails to thrill. Whoever wrote this example of Gothic grandeur evoked awe with its incisive fugue, and timeless Baroque brilliance.
Rawsthorne gives a tender, absorbed account of Chorale Prelude BWV 731 'Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier' (Lord Jesus we are here.) Chorale Prelude BWV 622 'O Mensch, bewein' dein' Sünde groß' (O man, bewail thy sin so great) with its elaborated ornamentation and slow unfolding melody, compliments its mood of deep repentance.
The central Gravement section of the Fantasia in G major, BWV 572 - with its complex five-part texture, expressive suspensions, and subtle syncopations - is one of the highpoints of Baroque organ music. Framed by a toccata-like flute introduction and a coda of “acciaccatura-strewn” broken chords, it would be my dream to process into Liverpool Cathedral to the sound of this magnificent work.
It is widely believed that in the Prelude & Fugue in C major, BWV 545, Bach sought to amalgamate elements of the traditional organ prelude and fugue with the structure and idiom of the three-movement Italian concerto, a form popularised by composers such as Vivaldi. Rawsthorne gives a robust performance of the “rhythmically buoyant” Prelude and then impressive fugue. A version exists with a central Largo.
Christmas is always on its way when Chorale Prelude BWV 645 'Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme' (Sleepers Awake) is heard in choirs and places where they sing. Originally sung by tenors in Cantata 140, it was rescored for organ as the first of the Six Schübler Chorales. C.H.H. Parry has suggested that it portrays the “dancing of Zion’s daughters at the coming of the bridegroom. Certainly, it balances joy with just a little sense of anxiety. The Chorale Prelude BWV 649 'Ach bleib’ bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ' (Ah remain with us, Lord Jesus Christ) is a graceful and contemplative piece, ideally suited to Evensong or as consolation at a funeral service.
It is a shame that the glorious Fugue in E flat major, BWV 552 St Anne could not have been preceded by the magnificent Prelude. However, I do not think that Noel Rawsthorne recorded it. The Fugue, which is said to symbolise the Holy Trinity, with its three sections and key signature of three flats, is given a resounding performance here. The “St Ann” refers to an English hymn tune used for O God our Help in Ages Past but would probably not have been known to Bach.
Noel Rawsthorne’s arrangement for organ of the Sinfonia from Cantata 29 “Wir danken dir Gott” (We thank you dear God) is magnificent. It is a timeless piece that seems to look forward to the fireworks of Widor and Vierne. A bit to fast for a wedding recessional but guaranteed to bring the house down at any recital.
Only the Toccata of the Toccata and Fugue in F major, BWV 540 has been recorded here. This perpetuum mobile is perfectly suited as a standalone piece. It builds up to a prolonged, tightly controlled climax and includes two splendid pedal solos.
As a little bonus, Alto Records have included a gorgeous performance of the Air from the Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068, better known as the Air on a G string. It is heard here in an arrangement by Noel Rawsthorne, recorded at Coventry Cathedral on that place’s outstanding organ, built by Harrison and Harrison in the 1960s. The instument was overhauled and upgraded to include solid-state technology in 1986/87: the present offering predates this rebuild by three years.
The liner notes by Peter Avis give a decent introduction to the music and include a brief note about the organist. I have already noted the absence of the instrument specification. The recording, dating back to the 1980s, holds up remarkably well.
Much of this disc was (I think) originally released on the HMV Greensleeves and Classics for Pleasure labels. It does not give this information in the liner notes.
A splendid introduction to Bach’s organ repertoire, played on one of the UKs most significant instruments by a most talented and skilful performer.
Track Listing:Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
Chorale Prelude BWV 731 'Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier'
Chorale Prelude BWV 622 'O Mensch, bewein' dein' Sünde groß'
Fantasia in G major, BWV 572
Prelude & Fugue in C major, BWV 545
Chorale Prelude BWV 645 'Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’.
Chorale Prelude BWV 649 'Ach bleib’ bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ'
Fugue in E flat major, BWV 552 'St Anne'
Cantata BWV 29 'Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir': Sinfonia (arr. Noel Rawsthorne)
Toccata in F major, BWV 540
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068: Air (arr. Noel Rawsthorne)
Noel Rawsthorne (organ)
rec. 1980, Liverpool Cathedral; 1984, Coventry Cathedral (Air)
Alto ALC 1704
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