Customer Reviews

Bach: Organ Works, Vol 2 - Schubler and Leipzig Chorales (BWV 645-668) /Koopman * Amsterdam Baroque Choir

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the finest recordings of Bach organ music I've ever heard. Choral preludes performed on a period instrument alternate with four-part settings sung by the Amsterdam Baroque Choir. These two discs are brilliant in conception, flawless in execution, and endlessly interesting. The performances are heartfelt and deeply moving, but always up to the highest standards of musicianship. Listening to these disks is what it must have been like to sit in the Thomaskirche, and what could be better?

The Chorales are superb! Worth the price of this somewhat rare set. I originally bought because I was into the Schubler and Leipzig organ pieces (the "Great 18"). I wanted to hear the chorales that inspired the Preludes. Now I play the chorales far more than the organ preludes. For me these are very good not great versions of the organ preludes. (This comes from a very new and humble student of Herr Bach's organ works, who respects that Ton Koopman knows more about Bach's music than few ever will and is as devoted to it as any human ever was.) However, I recommend the set for the stunning chorales and the "endlessly interesting" (in the apt phrase of another reviewer) combination and sequencing of the pieces.