The organ at St Peter's Church has been refurbished recently by Nicholson (also responsible for rebuilding it 1902-1905).

Dr Roy Massey, the eminent former organist (now retired) of Hereford Cathe-dral, showed the capability of the varied and beautiful instrument, now.

The first Choral Song by Wesley had an outgoing, happy melody which Dr Massey elaborated on with higher pitched stops, then he introduced pedals as he allowed the piece to grow in intensity.

Bach's Prelude on 'Wir glauben all' an einen Gott, Schopfer in which we could hear clearly a recurring plodlike pedal line, is familiarly known as The Giant's Fugue. As this piece ended we were aware of a problem, when one note continued to sound.

However, help was at hand as Trevor, of the Nicholson firm was present: a ladder was fetched for him to climb up to see to the off-ending organ pipe. While this diversion was coped with, the large audience partook of delicious refreshments, earlier in the evening than planned.

More Bach followed, before Three Pieces for a Musical Clock by Haydn, each one simulating the differing mechanisms of musical boxes.

Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks used a diversity of stops. The Overture full-blooded, with an echo effect of phrases; The Rejoicing, like a trumpet fanfare; The Peace, serene and quietly decorated with trills on the soft flute and Minuet Finale, triumphantly expanded with distinguished pedaling.

Elgar's Nimrod was given gentle treatment, until the climax resounded round the church, prefacing beautifully soft and lingering closing bars. The song-like Salut d'amour contrasted.

Other compositions by Cesar Franck and Gabriel Verschragen were included, while Dr Massey's rapid pedaling in Postlude in D major by Henry Smart, and bold repetitive chromatic figures concluded this most enjoyable recital.

Jill Hopkins