Johann Sebastian Bach

Universal Music France pays homage to one of the greatest French violinists of the 20th century with an outstanding 10-CD box set (at budget price). This is, in fact, the first large-scale anthology devoted to the violinist. For the first time, this set takes his complete recordings for Deutsche Grammophon, including the Bach Concertos with Karajan and Serge Nigg’s Concerto, previously unreleased on CD.

This new recording features some unique historical organs in Germany, which have a strong link with the great composer himself, organs which Bach might have known, and whose builders he greatly respected.

This 2CD contains the famous Schübler Chorales, concert pieces based on the chorale melodies from Bach’s Cantatas, and a selection of famous Preludes and Fugues, testimony of Bach’s consummate contrapuntal skills.

Matteo Messori is one of the leading Baroque organists of Europe; his previous recordings for Brilliant Classics (Kunst der Fuge, BC 94061 and Clavierübing, BC 94201) have been awarded 5 star reviews in international classical magazines. His Schütz edition is a recorded landmark for that still neglected master.

J.S. Bach is widely regarded as the father of the Baroque period. A master of vocal, keyboard, orchestral and chamber repertoire, he is one of music’s greatest legends – a man whose works, which were truly revolutionary for their time, continue to inspire generations of composers.

Bach’s virtuoso skill as an organist was world renowned, and he was particularly celebrated for his use of registration. Spanning 2 CDs, this compilation is dedicated to some of his bestknown Preludes and Fugues, and also features the celebrated Schübler Chorales. While the former works betray the composer’s unparalleled ability to give distinctive qualities to each of the fugal voices, the latter collection – compiled by the publisher Johann Georg Schübler in 1748 – is largely made up of chorales based on melodies from Bach’s cantatas, and was intended for concert performance. The celebrated Fantasia and Fugue in C minor BWV357 and Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV538, which Bach himself is said to have held in high esteem, complete the line up.

One of Europe’s leading organists, Matteo Messori has recorded widely for Brilliant Classics. Here he combines energy with with artistic flair to deliver consummate readings of these engaging works: a mustbuy for the keyboard and Baroque connoisseur.

Continuing the tradition, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio was once again performed in the Frauenkirche in Dresden in December 2011 by the resident forces under the direction of Matthias Grunert. It was a wonderfully evocative performance, available here on CD for the first time.

Legendary guitar duo Ida Presti and Alexandre Lagoya were a force to be reckoned with and still today their performances (particularly of early music for guitar), remain benchmark performances. This disc presents their recordings between 1956-1960.

Recorded in 1967, this historic recital is the premiere recording of the Basilica's two large organs, built by the Möller. The recording is full of important moments: the transcription of a Handel organ concerto played as a duet on the two instruments, Maurice Duruflé's transcription of Tournemire's improvisation on Victimae Pascali, played by Mme. Duruflé. The concert concludes with Maurice Duruflé's Prelude and Fugue on the name of Alain (again, played by Mme. Duruflé). Those looking to find an example of authentic French organ playing need look no further.