Album Review: Organ Music of Leo Sowerby by Leo Sowerby & Catharine Crozier
If you’re into classical music and haven’t heard Organ Music of Leo Sowerby, you’re missing out on something kinda special. Released in 1988 (yeah, that’s right, the year Die Hard came out), this album is a powerhouse of organ sounds brought to life by composer Leo Sowerby and organist Catharine Crozier. The record’s got this old-school charm but feels fresh, like finding an untouched vinyl at a garage sale.
Let me break it down for ya. Two tracks stuck with me more than the others: “Symphony in G Major for Organ” and “Requiescat in Pace.”
The “Symphony in G Major” kicks things off strong. It’s big, bold, and honestly? A little overwhelming at first. But once you settle in, it grabs hold of your soul. There’s this moment where the melody swells—it just lifts you up, like being carried away by some invisible tide. I swear, if organs could sing, this would be their anthem. You can tell Sowerby knew how to make the instrument do things most folks wouldn’t even think possible. And Crozier? She plays it like she owns the thing. Her fingers dance over those keys like they’ve got a mind of their own.
Then there’s “Requiescat in Pace.” Whoa. This one hits different. It starts slow, almost hesitant, as if it’s tiptoeing around emotions too fragile to touch. By the end, though, it transforms into this peaceful, meditative vibe that stays with you long after the last note fades. It’s not flashy or trying to show off—it’s just… beautiful. Like staring at a sunset and realizing you forgot to check your phone for an hour.
What makes this album stand out isn’t just the music; it’s the way it transports you. One second, you’re sitting in your living room, and the next, you’re in some grand cathedral, surrounded by echoing walls and stained glass windows. That’s the magic of Sowerby’s compositions paired with Crozier’s skill—you don’t just listen; you experience.
Released under Delos (a label known for championing quality classical recordings), this album deserves its place in any serious collector's stash—or hey, maybe just yours if you’re looking to spice up your playlist rotation. Sure, it’s from the '80s, but trust me, it doesn’t feel dated. If anything, it feels timeless.
Here’s the kicker—I never thought I’d say this about organ music, but here we are. After spinning this album, I actually caught myself humming parts of it while folding laundry. Folding laundry! Organ music made my chores better. Go figure.
So yeah, give Organ Music of Leo Sowerby a shot. It might surprise you. Or, you know, maybe it won’t. Either way, you’ll have spent 45 minutes listening to something truly unique. And honestly? That’s worth way more than scrolling through TikTok videos.
