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 best-known 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 artistic flair to deliver consummate readings of these engaging works: a must-buy for the keyboard and Baroque connoisseur.
Other information:
- Recorded in June 2011.
- Organs: Johannes Creutzburg (1735), St. Cyriakus church of Duderstadt; Eilert Köhler (1738), Kreuzkirche of Suhl. Unique historical organs located in Germany, which have a strong link with the great composer himself, organs which Bach might have known, and whose builders he greatly respected.
- Matteo Messori is one of the leading Baroque organists of Europe; his previous recordings for Brilliant Classics (Kunst der Fuge, BC 94061 and Clavierübung, BC 94201) have been awarded 5 star reviews in international classical magazines. His Schütz edition (BC 94361) is a recorded landmark for that still neglected master.
- Includes booklet notes on the composer and each of the pieces.
