Paean was a favourite piece of mine as a university organ scholar but it has lain unloved for a while. I thought it would be a good fit for this particular organ and I hope that my recording justifies that decision.
Interestingly the metronome mark of crotchet equals 144 has caused consternation amongst organists for some time. Stephen Cleobury is reputed to have asked Howells (in the 1970's) his view on this marking and Howells stood by it thirty years or so after its composition.
An academic, who is also a brilliant organist, has recorded Paean at the published metronome marks (available on YouTube) and I leave you to make your own decision on whether this makes music of this piece or not.
What I find interesting is that nearly all available recordings hover around the crotchet equals 110 (give or take).
Over to you.....
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