JOHN JOUBERT (b.1927): Organ Music - Reflections on a Martyrdom, Op. 141, 6 Short Preludes on English Hymn Tunes, Op. 125, Passacaglia and Fugue, Op. 35, Recessional, Opp. 135, Preludes on the Old Hundredth, Op. 15, on “Picardy”, Op. 55 and on “York”, Op. 152.

Description: Joubert's output for organ consists of fine, original works in the European tradition, tonal and making use of traditional forms with great individuality and the same kind of involving sense of communication that makes his opera on Jane Eyre so compelling (see above / below). The 'Martyrdom' is that of St Alban, and the work is a set of scenes, based on the composer's cantata on the same subject, with a powerful sense of drama, climaxing in a monumental funeral march. Preludes on hymn tunes occur both early and late in the composer's output, all weaving ingenious toccatas, ornamented melody, and contrapuntal elaborations of the well-known hymns. The large Passacaglia and Fugue is a conscious tribute to Bach, following a similar outline to the c minor Passacaglia, and is somewhat Regeresque, with dense chromaticism, original textures and faultless contrapuntal skill. Tom Winpenny (organ of St. Albans Cathedral).