Orlando Gibbons - The Woods So Wild - John Toll - The Independent on Sunday

John Toll's battle with cancer was no secret, yet the news of his death this summer was a shock, so little did his illness seem to affect a man still good-humourdly busy in the multiple roles of soloist, chamber and orchestral musician. After a lifetime at the hub of European early music, Toll's discography is extensive but this album of keyboard works by Orlando Gibbons displays most clearly the combination of reserve and passion that marked his music making at its best. The organ playing is sweet, judiciously balanced and communicative, the harpsichord as light and fresh as air. A fitting memorial to a fine musician.