Fantasia for organ by Denis Bédard

Of this group of new pieces by Denis Bedard, this is by far the longest, lasting about six minutes. Bedard has a knack of writing in a tongue-in-cheek march style which reminds me of Prokofiev, and it is this style which frames the two quieter central sections. The Fantasia begins with a jaunty Allegro, moving to a very French Moderato for the Comet stop. The concluding Allegro vivo is a new march-style section, full of the composer's trademark of surprise harmony allied to strong rhythms. All of these new compositions by Denis Bedard can be confidently recommended. As Paul lsom wrote in CMQ in September 20I0: ' his music deserves to be better known in this country.' These publications have been beautifully produced by the RSCM, on good thick paper, with attractive, colourful covers. Trevor Webb

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