Pachelbel: Toccata in F major

In 1904 Karl Straube published his own edition of music by Bach, Walther, Pachelbel, Buxtehude and others and adapted them to the organ’s modern capabilities. Today, the edition offers an impressive glance at historical performance practice. Andreas Sieling gives us an authentic look at the interpretation of baroque organ music at the beginning of the 20th century.

Revered teacher, organ virtuoso, master of counterpoint, devotee of the chorale, enthusiast for the Italian forms of composition, pathfinder and worthy predecessor of Bach: such was Johann Pachelbel. Matthew Owens presents a selection of Pachelbel’s works on the UK’s only Ahrend Organ, housed in the Reid Concert Hall at the University of Edinburgh. It is an instrument of exceptional refinement; the voicing is direct and clear and yet full of subtleties; This recording presents a completely satisfying union of instrument, repertoire and performer.