There is nothing particularly surprising about the recording titled French Masterworks from St. John the Divine. This is a reZound label re-issue of the 1987 performance by organist Jonathan Dimmock on the massive Aeolian-Skinner organ at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Offerings by composers Dupré and Widor once again flash in the pan. The Messiaen is predictably bizarre. The quality of the recording is high and the technique of the organist is as crafted as it comes. In other words, this is exactly what you would expect from a first-rate album of French masterworks played on the organ.

If you have never personally encountered the "state trumpet" of the St. John's organ, the final piece, Trumpet Tune, by composer Jean Langlais (of which this is the world premiere recording, and commissioned for this organ) will blow your socks off!

This is a solid recording of very interesting music, masterfully played in one of the finest locations to hear it. You get with this recording exactly what you think you will; and so you should.

The Living Church magazine, October 2007