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John Gardner: Complete Organ Music, Vol. 2 on CD

The English composer John Gardner (1917-2011) played the organ from an early age; his first work to be published was for the organ, and he wrote for the instrument throughout his long life. His music, whether secular or sacred, is characterised by a rhythmic vivacity and technical command informed by his fondness for jazz, Renaissance and Baroque procedures and classical counterpoint - and the spirit of dance is often close to hand. It's quirky and distinctive personality is a mirror of the man: Gardner's gruff, slightly formal manner barely hid a mischievous sense of humour, flashes of which can be glimpsed even in his more serious works. Above all, his musical language is honest and emotionally direct, as he was.