Martin Baker - Pictures at an Exhibition: The Ruffatti Organ of Buckfast Abbey (2026) [Hi-Res]

Martin Baker plays works selected from his inaugural concert on the acclaimed new organ of Buckfast Abbey. This magnificent instrument – the largest in the South West of England – was the first built in the United Kingdom by the renowned Italian organ builder Fratelli Ruffatti. Martin’s programme opens with music by Dom Sebastian Wolff, the Abbey’s long-serving monk, composer and organist. Other works explore each nuance and tonal variety of this innovative instrument, located in both the Quire and West Gallery of the Abbey Church. The recital culminates in Martin’s own organ transcription of Mussorgsky’s evocative Pictures at an Exhibition.

‘…the sense of triumphalism, majesty and opulent splendour Baker and this fine instrument give to the concluding Great Gate of Kiev is as impressive as any version – for organ, orchestra or anything else – that I have yet heard.’ (MusicWeb International)

★★★★★ ‘The Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition provide ample opportunities to show off the wealth of aural effects from this instrument… Baker is on top form on this recording.’ (Choir & Organ)

★★★★★ ‘It is something of the full orchestra that we hear in his performance, through magnificent colour schemes available from the Buckfast organs. It is a persuasive reading, with nuance, energy, and excitement.’ (Organists’ Review)

‘…Martin Baker’s musical playing and highly imaginative transcription…bring this disc to life. The organ has been excellently captured…and the disc and informative booklet are presented in an attractive collector’s case.’ (RSCM Church Music Quarterly)

‘This lavishly presented CD celebrates an achievement of national significance, the opening of a new organ in Buckfast Abbey (Devon), and the superb playing of Martin Baker. This CD is presented in a sumptuous way – a 50-page booklet, with full details, notes, specifications and photographs.’ (British Music Society Journal)