Malcolm Williamson (1931–2003), Master of the Queen’s Music from 1975 until his death, was the first non-Britain to hold the post since its creation in the seventeenth century.

He was a gifted pianist and organist as well as a prolific composer, and his music naturally includes a substantial number of works for the organ. His writing for organ is strikingly powerful in its originality and its eclectic mix of styles, ranging from lyrical introspection to fiery virtuosity. Two of the works on this CD are receiving their first recordings.

Tom Winpenny is Assistant Master of the Music at St Albans Cathedral, having previously been Sub-Organist at St Paul's Cathedral, during which time he played for many state occasions. He has also broadcast regularly on BBC Radio. Recent engagements include recitals in Leeds Town Hall, Coventry Cathedral, Stockholm Cathedral and, in the USA, in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Independence, Missouri.

The church of St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, built between the 12th and 15th centuries, was famously described by Elizabeth I as ‘the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England’. The splendour of the building is matched by its 1912 Harrison & Harrison organ, which Arthur Harrison is said to have regarded as the finest and most characteristic of his organs. It consists of 4,135 pipes and was comprehensively restored in 2010.