The Merton Organ: The New Dobson Organ of Merton College, Oxford

The Merton Organ: The New Dobson Organ of Merton College, Oxford

• merton
• Nicholas
• Organ

In a golden age of organ-building, Merton College's new Dobson instrument stands out as exceptional. It is only the third American-built organ sent to the UK since the Second World War, a bold commissioning choice made by Benjamin Nicholas, Reed Rubin Organist and Director of Music at Merton College. Designed to accompany the chapel's daily choral services and to honor the chapel's ancient architecture, the instrument also had to be equipped to perform a large part of the solo repertoire. It is the success of this third aim that Nicholas demonstrates on the organ's debut recording. From Stanley to Messiaen - and selections from the vast literature in between - no inquisitive listener will feel short-changed by the variety and virtuosity on display here. In his solo debut, Nicholas combines flair and intelligence as he presents the stunning instrument he helped mastermind.