Rainbow Toccatas


 

CD available directly from Paul for £10 (plus £1.75 UK postage and packing)

YouTube preview of the entire album (demo mix)

 

within the UK

(1) to order via PayPal, click on this link: www.paypal.me/paulayresmusic/12.45 (includes 70p recipient fee)

(2) to order via bank transfer, please send GBP11.75 to Paul Ayres, account no: 30553638, sort code: 40 47 82, bank: First Direct (HSBC)

(3) to order by cheque, post to Paul Ayres, 12 Bennetts Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 8AU (cheques for GBP11.75 payable to "Paul Ayres")

- and, whichever method you choose, please send an email to paulayres@clara.net, with your address for delivery!

 

orders from USA

US$22.00 (check in the mail) or US$23.50 via PayPal - includes shipping

please send an email to paulayres@clara.net to place an order

 

orders from mainland Europe

GBP15.90 via PayPal (PayPal will work out the currency conversion) - includes shipping

please send an email to paulayres@clara.net to place an order

 

orders from other countries

please send an email to paulayres@clara.net to enquire about prices in other currencies, and international postage rates

 

track listing

 


Mostly Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor - YouTube preview - catalogue link

 

Fantasy-Sonata Over the Rainbow - catalogue link

- YouTube previews: IntroductionOstinatoCantabileDialogueFinale



four movements from Suite for Eric - catalogue link

- YouTube previews: ToccataAriaDuo - Intermezzo

Variations on Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen - catalogue link

- YouTube previews: var 1var 2var 3var 4var 5 - var 6

nine Beatles-based pieces:

- Prelude on Eleanor Rigby - YouTube preview - catalogue link

- Lament on And I love her - YouTube preview - catalogue link

- Toccatina on Here comes the sun - YouTube preview - catalogue link

- Trio on Ich steh' mit einem Fuss in Grabe and Hey Jude - YouTube preview - catalogue link

- Danse Macabre on Norwegian Wood - YouTube preview - catalogue link

- Recitative on Yesterday - YouTube preview - catalogue link

- Concerto on I want to hold your hand - YouTube preview - catalogue link

- Adagio Cromatico on Michelle - YouTube preview - catalogue link

- Toccata on All you need is love - YouTube preview - catalogue link
 

 

REVIEWS

 

This CD is enjoyable not just for the content, but for the excellence of the recording –  Priory Records again demonstrating their expertise in capturing both the clarity and richness of sound of this fine example of the English Romantic organ. But not to be overlooked is Paul's own virtuosity at the instrument – an organist who successfully adds shades of pop, rock and theatre organ to an effortless classical technique.

The Lady Organist (Morwenna Brett) 2020

 

Retaining its glowing English romantic voicings, the organ of St Barnabas Ealing - and 1851 Gerard Smith rebuilt by Hill & Son in 1877 and again in 2011 by Nicolson & Co - is also pleasingly dexterous and nimble enough to accommodate a wide repertoire. Evidence of such comes in this collection of original pieces and arrangements by Paul Ayres (who also plays with persuasive aplomb.) The six Variations on Es ist ein Ros' entsrpungen and Fantasy-Sonata Over the Rainbow are both delightful discoveries, and Mostly Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor huge fun. A set of Beatles arrangements makes rich use of the organ's multi-faceted arsenal to often bewitching effect, Excellent notes, too, by Ayres.

**** [four stars]

Choir and Organ magazine (Michael Quinn) 2017


This is a very welcome release. Paul Ayres plays a selection from his own  vast output in a highly entertaining, and, at times, intriguing programme. I have been familiar with some of the composer's work for some time. Much of his music, as here, is based on familiar music from a range of sources and styles. Included here are his Variations on Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen and nine pieces based on Beatles songs, including Toccatina on Here comes the sun, Danse Macabre on Norwegian Wood and  Toccata on All you need is love. Also included are four movements from Suite for Eric and the piece which partly gives this CD its title, Fantasy–Sonata: Over the Rainbow. A welcome sideways-step for the organ repertoire!

Lark Reviews (Brian Hick) 2017