Customer Reviews

Bach: Trio Sonatas Nos. 1, 2 & 3; Prelude & Fugue in A minor, BWV 543

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The organ used in this recording is the Schnitger in the Martinikerk, Groningen, The Netherlands. For those who know their Schnitger, no more need be said. For those who don't, suffice it to say that one would be hard pressed to find lovelier sounds with which to give voice to Bach's trio sonatas. Rübsam's interpretation is highly articulated, which brings a welcome rhythmic vivacity to the music which goes missing in playing where the almighty legato rules. From the standpoint of tone and sound quality, the recording is pure lusciousness: it sounds like you're standing at the edge of the organ loft. The liner notes give no information about the organ, unfortunately, and no indication of what stops are used in what work. But no matter -- the sound is there, and that's what counts. There is another disc with the other three trio sonatas; if you have the good fortune to come across both at the same time, get out your wallet and count your lucky stars.

Wolfgang Ruebsam is one of the finest, busiest, and most recorded organists there is. When I first came across his recordings, I absolutely hated them because of his tempo fluctuations. But with time, I've come to see that there are profound musical reasons for the way he plays the way he does.

Mr Ruebsam's Bach is well worth getting to know. I've been very pleased with the performances here so far. It is also a treat to hear one of the great Schnitger organs in The Netherlands, a country blessed, it seems, with an abundance of important historical instruments.

The third movement of BWV 527 is notable. I've listened to the whole cantata repertoire several times, and nearly all of the organ works -- but this particular fragment truly stands out. It is a study in crafty, on-the-fly adjustments. And, as the reviewer from Salisbury, NC points out, the organ's pedigree helps.

Of course the rest of the CD's material is also very good. No wonder Naxos is so successful.