The Edinburgh Society of Organists was bequeathed a generous legacy that allowed it to produce, with the cooperation of the Delphian label, this beautiful book and CD set. Twenty-three organs in the greater Edinburgh area are featured both in full color photographs and expert recordings, with notes on the history of each instrument. These range from the organ in the home of performer
John Kitchen, with its appropriately smaller sound, to the grand organs of the city's cathedrals. The performers are known not only locally, but as organists and choral conductors for a variety of ensembles throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, such as
Michael Bonaventure, Michael Harris,
Roger Fisher, and
Duncan Ferguson. The music ranges from Sweelinck to
Fitkin, covers the great Baroque and Romantic organ composers, but rarely devotes more than one track to a single composer, giving the listener a great sampling of the repertoire. In most instances, the music is chosen to suit the instrument both in its technical capabilities and relative to its period of construction. The edition is understandably limited, but it does include a forward by the most famous writer (and amateur musician) of late 20th century-early 21st century Edinburgh,
Alexander McCall Smith.