The two books of voluntaries William Russell published before his untimely death open a window on an important and neglected period in English music. Sitting on the cusp of the Romantic period, they bring together the influences of Handel, Haydn and of Russell's friends and contemporaries including Samuel Wesley and John Stanley in a fascinating stylistic mix. For this first recording of the complete voluntaries, John Kitchen has faithfully observed Russell's original performing instructions on a restored 1829 organ whose period qualities bring the music vividly and compellingly to life.

"Kitchen's playing is idiomatic, insightful and fluent." Early Music

"The always supremely musical John Kitchen revels in the organ's endless tonal palette." Choir & Organ