Bach, J S: Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV565

‘What I want to do with my lute is to sing’ Edin Karamazov

On his extraordinary debut album, the modern master of the lute explores all the colours of this most evocative and versatile of instruments - in music from the Renaissance to the modern day. The many voices of his lutes and guitars are joined by four of today’s most remarkable singers - Renée Fleming, Kaliopi, Andreas Scholl & Sting - in new interpretations of songs from the pop, folk and classical traditions.

Any collection of recordings by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) must include a good proportion of his compositions for the organ on which he must have been a master-performer and for which he provided a treasure trove of works. With organs requiring large acoustics they are usually to be found in churches, but such is the expense of maintaining them and the buildings in which they are housed that some are falling in to a state of disrepair or are being removed to be replaced by modern electrical or electronic instruments which, for all their good workmanship, completely fail to match the majesty of the original. Recordings, therefore, on a fine Hi-fi system are a fine alternative to travel long distances to sit on often uncomfortable pews in cold churches (however that is not to say that they should completely replace the chance of hearing an original in real life, like other forms of music a live performance has added dimensions, it is just that it is becoming harder to attend such performances). Lionel Rogg, in this first of several planned sets, brings together many of the more extended works which are set as either a Fantasia, Prelude or Toccata followed by a Fugue and include many favourites including the ever popular Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565.

A highly entertaining programme of familiar and little-known musical delights played on this magnificent instrument by the highly respected organist of Bath Abbey, Peter King.

Includes the ever popular Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor as well as rarely-heard music new to the catalogue.

Features music to surprise, amuse and raise a tear.

‘He (Bowyer) is supported by a recording of absolutely top-class quality……….He has the intellectual and technical wherewithal, as well as remarkable gifts for communication from the organ console, to produce performances of great authority.’ (Gramophone) of Vol.

The transcriptions of Bach’s keyboard works for full symphony orchestra by Leopold Stokowski, one of the greatest conductors of the twentieth century, formed a successful part of his crusade to increase the accessibility of music. In reality Stokowski’s transcriptions had little to do with Bach: they are rather complete re-compositions in the manner of Wagner or Tchaikovsky for the late-romantic symphony orchestra. They have enjoyed continuing popularity since Stokowski first introduced them, and took a central rôle in the internationally popular film which he made with Walt Disney, Fantasia.

The recordings on this CD were made between 1927 and 1939, with Stokowski conducting in all instances The Philadelphia Orchestra, whose lush orchestra style was clearly well suited to his musical vision of Bach.