New album showcases David Maw’s organ works

Accende lumen sensibus features internationally acclaimed organist Stephen Farr performing five of Professor Maw’s compositions on the recently restored Harrison & Harrison organ of Norwich Cathedral. The recording brings together three major works composed between 2007 and 2010 alongside two more recent pieces, with most receiving their premiere recordings.

For Professor Maw, the recording captures an important period in his development as a composer: ‘These large-scale works mark a change in my stylistic preoccupation, which had previously focused on developing musical language within miniature forms. Exploration of the French tradition of organ composition reminded me what a rich resource the organ is compositionally and how well suited it is to sustaining extended forms of musical expression.’

He explains that these influences can be heard particularly in his approach to the instrument’s distinctive colours and textures: ‘All three works use the resources of the organ as a prism through which to view and develop musical materials.’

The album is performed by Stephen Farr, one of Britain’s foremost concert organists and an internationally respected champion of both established repertoire and contemporary music. Professor Maw says Farr’s musicianship made him the ideal interpreter of these technically demanding works: ‘I have known Stephen for a long time, and when he suggested making a recording of my music, I didn’t hesitate to agree. He and I haven’t conferred on the interpretation of the works. I had complete confidence in him and that has proved entirely justified. His grasp of the pieces is most impressive.’

Alongside his teaching at Christ Church and Oriel College, Professor Maw is internationally recognised for his research into mediaeval music, music theory and analysis. His compositions have been performed in the UK and abroad, with the new recording offering the first opportunity to hear several of his major organ works together on a single album.

Looking ahead, Professor Maw is continuing work on new compositions, including sketches for an organ concerto, while embracing the unpredictable nature of the creative process: ‘For me, as for most composers, the future is a matter of unforeseen opportunities and long-term projects that take form little by little. There is an element of chance in how this will (or won’t) happen; but it is usually more interesting to follow the chance than to try to impose a pre-decided agenda.’

Professor Maw is also looking forward to the release of recordings of his more recent choral and organ music, performed by Christ Church Cathedral Choir.

Accende lumen sensibus is available now from Resonus Classics.