THIS was an organ recital of superlatives: Olivier Latry, Titulaire des Grandes Orgues de Notre-Dame de Paris, was magnificent.

Bach's Concerto in A minor BWV 593 in three movements employed a varied and exemplary choice of stops; the technique and pedal-work was dazzling.

Cesar Franck's Prelude, Fugue et Variation with their simplicity and haunting beauty proved a perfect foil for the preceding Bach.

Carillon de Westminster by Vierne (himself organist of Notre-Dame 1900-1937) used the tune of the Westminster chime as its main theme; as a background smaller bells sound. Vierne used this theme - sometimes with slight variations - in many ways, exploiting the whole range of stops and combinations. Eventually we heard it from the lowest pedals, as the organ roared to its mighty conclusion.

Vidor's Symphony No. 5 in F minor was a tour de force. In five movements, Allegro vivace, full of vigour, and with a powerful finish, allowed the full swell of the organ to fill the Cathedral gloriously; Allegro cantabile, a lyrical section embellished with occasional trills; Andantino quasai allegretto where the main theme was announced by the pedals, succeeded by variations with incredibly rapid triplet pedalling, followed by trilling on the pedals; Adagio was serene - a moment to pause and savour, before the final Allegro: the relentless rhythmic figure which dominates this Toccata, the expressiveness and majestic proportions that Latry drew form Hereford Cathedral Organ, was astounding.

The standing ovation given, was the least the privileged audience could offer to Olivier Latry and his very superior excellence.