Clive Driskill-Smith is a highly accomplished organist. His playing
on the four organs of Eton College includes performances
of music from the 17th century to the present day.
His formidable technique and brilliance are particularly evident
is his performance of 20th century works.
The four organs are found in the School Hall, the Lower Chapel,
and two in the College Chapel. All organs have their own
characteristics and individual sounds. The Hill Organ, one of the
two in the College Chapel, is, I think, the organ with the
greatest possibilities. This organ has been raised, moved, and
had several major alterations and overhauls.
All the work on this organ, over the years, has resulted in the
present great Hill Organ.
There are too many pieces on this CD, to speak about each one
individually. Famous pieces played by Clive, include Buxtehude's
Toccata in F, Pepusch's Voluntary in C, Stanford's Fantasia and
Toccata in D minor, and 20th century composer Francis Grier's
Flourish and Reverie.
Some notes about a couple of these performances:
Buxtehude's Toccata in F was played on the Dutch Organ in
School Hall. This is the first piece on this CD,and shows Clive's
skill and dexterity, enabling him to give a first-class interpretation
of Buxtehude's great music.
The other work is Francis Grier's Flourish
and Reverie, played on the Hill Organ in College Chapel.
The Flourish in particular would have to be the most exciting
music on this CD. The organist is spared no difficulty here.
Clive certainly acquits himself well. He creates a great atmosphere,
combining technical dexterity with visionary interpretation.
This CD is thoroughly recommended.
The Priory label of CD is hard to get hold of in Christchurch.
I got mine at the RADAR CD store in the City Mall.
P. (AKA BABS JOHNSON).
