The penultimate recital in the 2002 summer series at St Mary's Church was given by Laurie Gethin (soprano) and John Jordan (organ and piano).

The penultimate recital in the 2002 summer series at St Mary's Church was given by Laurie Gethin (soprano) and John Jordan (organ and piano).

The first half of French music opened with Saint-Saens' prelude and fugue in C Major in which Jordan drew every nuance and the rich sonorities from the organ.

Norfolk-born Gethin is on the threshold of her career. She displayed a clear bell-like quality and purity on Cinq Poems de Max Jacob set to music by Francis Poulenc. She sang as if French were her mother tongue, bringing impressive dynamic control.

The first half concluded with Jordan playing Sweet Carmelite, a suite by Jean Francaix. The six pieces represent sisters of the Order in a tuneful and mostly gentle work.

Gethin demonstrated her linguistic abilities as she entranced the ear with items of Leider by the German Hugo Wolf.

Jordan then gave three short pieces of his own composition for organ. March to Marrakesh, designed to demonstrate the trumpet stop of the organ, a bluesy piece called Mooching and Hornpipe Militaire, in memoriam of the Rev Bill Hurdman, recently deceased vicar of St Margaret's, King's Lynn, and a former naval man.

Gethin concluded with two songs Melisande by Madeleine Dring and Kurt Weillis' the Saga of Jenny.

Both artists received a warm ovation from the large audience at the end of this rewarding evening.