Riff-raff (1983)

Starting with bold, separate chords, the work really gets underway with the introduction of a rhythmic idea on the pedals, and the music grows, sometimes as free fantasia, sometimes as a chaconne. There is the most joyous outburst of dancing about halfway through the piece. If anyone had any doubts about the easy accessibility of either contemporary music or organ music in general, then this work should be heard, for it is very easily approachable, using a straightforward language, although not perhaps in a straightforward way, but making perfect sense. This is a real winner of a piece and should be in every organist’s repertoire, because it would provide such relief from what can sometimes be a solemn experience: the reverence of an organ recital! Magnificent. www.Musicweb-International.com