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Another CD celebrating the Bach anniversary this time with the shorter settings for organ. Tillmanns has sensibly grouped items from Arnstadt, Weimar and finally Leipzig making a logical timeframe in its natural progression. The Arnstadt Preludes include some beautiful settings, in particular I was enthused by the timeless 'Jesu mein Freunde' played with beautiful sensitivity by Tillmanns. With the Weimar settings there is much more to enjoy, in fact this is the most extensive section out of the three. The ubiquitous beauty of 'Nunn komm der Heiden Heiland' is subtly and deftly matched by 'Christ lag in Todesband'. Tillmanns' playing matches solemnity with pure unalduarated mastery as in the swift dazzling conclusion to 'Alle Menschen mussen sterben', a pure testament to bach's magnificent mastery. In Leipzig, we are altogether more hallowed and sacred. The timeless 'Wachtet auf' is given a suitably langorous interpretation whilst the titanic baroque mastery of 'Schmuke dich, o liebe Seele' is well paced and portrayed. The sonorous sound of the historic Wagner organ in Brandenburg and the Marcussen Organ in Methler is beautifully captured by Danacord's engineers although the programme note translation in English consists of a few glaring mistakes. Otherwise this issue is an essential companion through Bach's shorter more germane organ music.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

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