Bach, J S: Chorale Prelude BWV729 'In dulci jubilo'

Kempff's Baroque pedigree stemmed from the influence of his father, also named Wilhelm Kempff, and his grandfather Cantor Friedrick Kempff, both of whom were organists, and who taught the budding prodigy much of the organ's core repertoire. In fact, Kempff's youthful debut as an organist took place before his first recital as a pianist in 1907. With help from the great German violinist Joseph Joachim, the nine-year-old Kempff was awarded two scholarships at the Berlin Hochschule: one in composition with Robert Kahn, the other studying piano with Heinrich Barth, who also taught Arthur Rubinstein.

While most of Wilhelm Kempff's recordings were made for Deutsche Grammophon, his early Decca LPs and EPs are collector's items. Here issued internationally on CD for the first time is the LP of his Bach recital coupled with a delicious record of miniatures by Couperin, Rameau and Beethoven, including the latter's ubiquitous Fur Elise. In his liner notes, Jed Distler compares Kempff's arrangements of Bach with those of Busoni, and his performances with those of Hess and others. 'Fur Elise gently soars from Kempff's fingers in full-throated, legato arcs that might convince you that the piano has lungs in addition to hammers and strings,' he writes, and concludes, 'The warm, naturally balanced and timbrally true sonic image typical of Decca's piano recordings of this vintage only enhance Kempff's singular artistry. Whatever one makes of his style, his spirit defines authenticity.'

"...excellently recorded programme of arrangements made by Kempff himself..." Gramophone.

The 2008 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, recorded live by BBC Radio 3 in "the magnificent recording studio that is King’s College Chapel.” The service marked the 80th anniversary of its first BBC broadcast and the start of a year-long celebration of the 800th anniversary of Cambridge University.

The discrepancy between virtuosity, artistry and genius on the one hand and the reality of the musical profession on the other has probably never been more aptly expressed than in the Arnstadt church council´s criticism of the young Johann Sebastian Bach:" He confuses the congregation." He confused them with his chorale arrangements full of brilliant and ingenious ideas and his free organ works. Fortunately, posterity mostly sees Bach in quite a different light than his immediate contemporaries!

An ideal Christmas release in this Royal Jubillee year, from the Choristers of St George’s Chapel - the Queen’s chapel in Windsor Castle.

A selection of traditional favourites, combined with less well-known carols and Christmas music, sung by the angelic boys’ voices of St George’s Chapel Choir.

Original Christmas music and arrangements for treble voices.

The collection is completed with three seasonal organ solos, played by internationally-renowned organist and Director of Music of St George’s Chapel, Timothy Byram-Wigfield.

A wonderful showcase to demonstrate the art of the boy chorister!

Music written to celebrate Advent and the festival of Christmas spans many centuries with composers from all periods of Western music penning works to mark this time of both preparation and joy at the mystical events surrounding the birth of Christ.

Acclaimed quintet Onyx Brass present a programme of well and lesser-known works both written for, and associated with, Advent and Christmas.

A delightful Christmas selection brought to you by The Choir of St.John’s College, Oxford. The Choir was reformed in 1637 by Sir William Perry, the physician to James I, and the present day choir continues the English choral tradition and regularly sings services in Chapel during term.

Mark Waddell’s “Rocking” included here was specially written for these choristers for this CD. Like David Hill’s arrangement of “Away in a manger”, it demonstrates the power of a good tune in the hands of a skilful arranger. This is one of the most respected Cathedral choirs in the country.