David Maw - Organ Music (Stephen Farr)

Information

Composer: David Maw

• La vie de Jean-Baptiste
• Passacaglia
• Messe pour orgue "Accende lumen sensibus"
• Improvisation
• Sonate pour orgue

Stephen Farr, organ

Date: 2026

Label: Resonus Classics

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Organist Stephen Farr explores the modern organ repertoire of composer David Maw in his latest album for Resonus Classics, featuring premiere recordings of three major works alongside two shorter pieces. Maw’s compositions combine a rigorous discipline with an innovative approach to color and texture, establishing them among the most significant and challenging contemporary British pieces for the instrument. Utilizing the grand, newly restored Harrison & Harrison organ at Norwich Cathedral in its recording debut, Farr fully leverages the instrument's vast sonic resources to bring Maw's virtuosic, highly expressive musical visions to life.

David Maw is a distinguished musicologist, organist, and composer who has been associated with Oxford University’s Faculty of Music since 1995, currently serving as Research Fellow and principal College Tutor at Oriel College. Educated at Oxford, his scholarly research spans medieval French polyphony—most notably the works of Guillaume de Machaut—alongside 20th-century English chamber music, early Beethoven, and fugal composition. An award-winning musician, Maw holds international first prizes in composition and organ improvisation, maintaining an active concert profile across the UK and France while lecturing on composition techniques and historical counterpoint.

Stephen Farr is a leading British organist, conductor, and continuo player, currently serving as Director of Music at St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, and Worcester College, Oxford. A former Clare College, Cambridge organ scholar with a double first in Music, Farr studied under David Sanger and went on to hold key appointments at Winchester and Guildford Cathedrals. Renowned for his advocacy of contemporary repertoire, he has premiered works by Judith Bingham and Jonathan Harvey and collaborated with ensembles like the Berlin Philharmonic and London Mozart Players. His international career spans major global venues, frequent BBC Radio 3 broadcasts, and an extensive discography.