Ben Bloor - L'Orgue Grégorien: A year of chant-based organ music from the London Oratory (2026) [Hi-Res]

Prizewinning performer Ben Bloor makes his debut recording on the iconic instrument with which he is so well acquainted: the Walker organ of the London Oratory, designed by Ralph Downes in 1954. The carefully constructed programme is one close to his heart: music centred around Gregorian chant, and takes in a liturgical year of plainsong-based works from 20th- and 21st-century France, Germany and England. The instrument’s fantastic breadth of colour finds its home in well-trodden favourites by Duruflé and Demessieux, but also in gems recorded here for the first time, including a new commission based on the Advent hymn, Conditor alme siderum, by Matthew Martin.

★★★★ (Performance) ★★★★★ (Recording) “Among the musical highlights of the programme are Maurice Duruflé’s Choral varié sur le theme du ‘Veni Creator’ – whose beautiful colours are all brought out in Bloor’s registrations – and Jehan Alain’s Variations sur Lucis Creator. The most substantial work is by the little-known Auguste Fauchard: his rewarding Le mystère de Noël is certainly one to enjoy this Christmas.” (BBC Music Magazine)

“This is a remarkable recording of a whole liturgical year of plainchant-based organ music composed within the last 100 years or so… Ben Bloor, as the resident Oratory organist, is evidently at home with every aspect of the instrument, and, being steeped in Gregorian chant, he is the ideal person to make this recording… The booklet is beautifully presented, and the CD is excellently recorded. Very highly recommended.” (Choir & Organ Magazine)

“Ben Bloor’s debut solo organ disc, recorded at Brompton Oratory where he is organist, is of organ music based on Gregorian chant… The handsome hardbound booklet includes incipits for all the plainchant and a full specification of the organ… The registration, inventive and colourful, always sounds right for the music, which is played with an assured technique and a keen ear for the drama that is often found within these pieces.” (RSCM Church Music Quarterly)

“Ben Bloor’s debut disc is a treasure trove of twentieth- and twenty-first-century organ music based on plainchant melodies… His playing is characterised by expertly balanced registrations, finely controlled articulation – including some sinuous legato – and strong rhythmic drive.” (Organists’ Review)