Naji Hakim: Embrace Of Fire – Simon Leach

   in Choir & Organ (Jan, 2019)
Simon Leach departs from Manchester’s Holy Name of Jesus church for pastures new in Edinburgh with an entertaining, quietly virtuosic tribute to long-time collaborator Naji Hakim. Of interest is the title track – with its blend of plainsong, Hindu scales and irregular rhythms seamlessly integrated by Leach and an expressive 1871 III/48 William Hill – and a first recording of the Toccata on the Introit for the Feast of the Epiphany (2016), where a plainsong introduction gives way to a rich set of symphonic variations culminating in blazing splendour. Works pairing organ with recorder and violin are fully engaging and beautifully realised. The more I hear of Hakim’s organ music, the …