Signum proudly presents Lapwood’s debut solo organ recording following her critically-acclaimed debut choral recording, All things are quite silent, with The Choirs of Pembroke College, Cambridge. This luxurious programme, including some of Lapwood’s world-premiere arrangements, showcases the softer, more subtle side of an instrument more generally regarded for its bombastic nature.
“One of my favourite things about being an organist is the exquisite feeling of practising in a church or cathedral late at night. The door is locked, the lights are often out, and time seems to flow differently. It’s at night that one really gains a sense of the history of the building, getting to know the creaking noises and clicks that make it seem as if the space is breathing. Sound seems to travel differently too, piercing the warm cushion of dark silence like a beam of light. On this disc I’ve tried to capture some of that magic, recording in a chilly Ely Cathedral after hours in January 2021.”
Anna Lapwood Anna Lapwood is an organist, conductor, and broadcaster, and holds the position of Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Lapwood recently presented the 2020 BBC Young Musician of the Year competition and is due to perfom at the BBC Proms on 7th September 2021 as well as presenting part of the Proms on BBC TV.
★★★★★ “Rising star Anna Lapwood’s debut solo recital confirms the hype surrounding this impressive young musician. Her impeccably crafted programme is designed to emphasise the “subtle beauty” of Ely Cathedral’s Harrison and Harrison’s softer qualities…Pieces by Patrick Gowers, Kerensa Briggs and Cheryl Frances-Hoad boost their own attractions in an atmospheric recording backed by Lapwood’s fine booklet notes” – Choir and Organ Magazine
“The idea of a voluntary… is gentler than one might expect: but there is also swirling virtuosity here in Lapwood’s superb performance…A wonderful disc” – Classical Explorer
★★★★ Performance, ★★★★ Recording “This debut solo album brilliantly played by the rising young organist Anna Lapwood should certainly engage organ aficionados, especially fans of the grand Harrison & Harrison instrument in Ely Cathedral” – BBC Music Magazine