Bach, J S: Organ Works (complete)

The notes to accompany the original release of this series on CD were written by Wilfrid Mellers, Jonathan Baxendale & Kevin Bowyer. These texts are reproduced in their entirety and form an extended essay of 42,000 words which is included on Disc 8. It is formatted as a pdf file ready for printing on standard A4 paper. Also on Disc 8 is an excel spreadsheet listing the pieces in 3 ways: by track number, by title and by BWV number. This new set will be released in MP3 format at 320 kbps. Customers will be able to transfer the files directly to their iPod or MP3 player or to play the discs on their computer, most DVD players and the latest generation of in car players.

This set gathers the Bach recordings released by Michel Chapuis for the French label Valois (now Naive) between 1966 and 1970. These highly regarded recordings were reissued by Naive in 1999 and soon became unavailable again. Faultless registration, dramatic flair, dazzling technique and pinpoint clarity in counterpoint make these recordings a cornerstone of any Bach and organ discography. The booklet includes a detailed index by BWV numbers and another by alphabetical order of titles.

Recorded 1978-1980 this is the second of Marie Claire Alain's three complete Bach Organ works recordings. It is recorded on the following (non-Baroque) organs: Schwenkedel de la Collegiale de Saint-Donat, Drôme, Marcussen de l’église Saint-Nicolas de Kolding, Denmark, Metzler de la Basilique de Mariasten, Switzerland, Busch-Marcussen de la Chapelle du Château d’Augustenborg, Denmark

This edition of the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Bernard Foccroulle was recorded between 1982 and 1997 on a series of splendid historical instruments and provides a clear picture of Bach's development as a composer of instrumental music. This complete edition also contains works attributed to Bach as well as a recording of the Chorale Fantasia Wo Gott der Herr BWV1128 that was only rediscovered in 2008.

Koopman’s seminal recordings, collected on 16CDs

“It was delightful to be able to choose the organs myself, including two instruments upon which Bach played: the Silbermann organ in the Dom at Freiberg and the Schnitger Instrument in the Jacobi-Kirche in Hamburg. Other historic instruments in Germany and the Netherlands were chose for particular parts of the project. It was a joy to renew their acquaintance.” Ton Koopman

These quotes are all from Gramophone reviews about the discs in this set when first released individually:

"sensitive, authoritative and perfectly gauged performances, imaginatively registered and stunningly recorded … These are distinguished performances indeed".

"Here is Koopman on top form: here is Bach playing distinguished by its freshness, vitality and magnetism."

"Koopman has that something special. So special, in fact, that comparisons are inappropriate."

"Which brings us to the matter of comparisons. Recently I asked one famous organist whether he had any plans to join that vast throng in recording the complete Bach. His response was that something special was needed in a performer before committing Bach to disc. Koopman has that something special. So special, in fact, that comparisons are inappropriate. Marie Claire Alain (Erato) might surpass in her use of organ colour, while in terms of musicianship the towering timelessness of Helmut Walcha (on Archiv) is matchless; but while Alain’s registrations so often seem to have been deliberately contrived to achieve variety, Koopman’s serve simply to underline the essence of each Prelude (brilliantly in BWV660), and while Walcha gives each little piece ‘stature’, Koopman’s no-nonsense approach is utterly compelling."

To celebrate the conclusion of CPO’s extensive survey of Bach’s complete organ works, all the volumes are presented here in a 22 CD box set complete with 168 page booklet.

The complete recordings comprise not only Bach’s authentic works and arrangements but also some world-premiere recordings such as the recently rediscovered Chorale Fantasia BWV 1128.

The organs used on all the recordings include historical organs from Bach’s immediate environment in Thuringia and Saxony as well as world-famous Bach organs of great significance from sites such as Groningen, Grauhof, and Trondheim which makes the collection unique and a must have for all Bach collectors.