Thomas Trotter's recital was a memorable occasion when he displayed the whole radiant spectrum of the rebuilt Malvern Priory organ, in a programme chosen to show off its spectacular tonal specification.

Video screens gave the audience a good view of Thomas as he played the superb 4-manual instrument and pedalled with athleticism! Fascinating explanations of the varying sounds each manual could produce, alongside pithy examples, culminated in an authentic I do like to be beside the seaside!

Bach's monumental Fantasia & Fugue in G minor, BWV 542 created a glorious beginning and in the following fugue the subject was always announced clearly, including a sole, pedal statement, and ultimately a thundering major chord.

Allegro vivace (1st mvt Symphony No 5) by Widor was a set of delightful variations; in one, Thomas was flurrying chromatics on the 4th manual, while playing staccato chords on the 3rd.

Dan Locklair's Rubrics, a Liturgical Suite for Organ, provided an exhibition of exuberance and power, set between gentle, lovely movements; Elgar's Vesper Voluntaries showed Thomas's ability to draw delicate lyrical lines, combined with beautiful harmonies.

Overture: Rienzi by Wagner was a tremendous finish, the vivid martial tune developed to majestic proportions and Thomas, pedalling madly, stormed to the finish on a mighty swell.

Elgar's Pomp & Circumstance March No 1 was the satisfying encore.

Thomas expressed his pleasure at being in Malvern again, he was a pupil at Malvern College. The splendid organ had been allowed full rein and he applauded the work which had been done and declared the instrument a triumph for Nicholsons.

Jill Hopkins