UPDATED 06/08/2008

FEATURED INSTRUMENT CONCERT   If you enjoy this concert, please donate by clicking on the button to the left! Marcussen & Son Organ / St. Stefanuschurch / Moerdijk (Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands) (1965) - Samples by Ariaan Hoogendijk Bach, Johann Sebastian: Prelude and Fugue in C minor, BWV 549 In this early masterwork, the bold pedal cadenza at the beginning [Principals 16-8-4, Mixture, Dulcian 16 and Trompet 8, which withdraws after the cadenza is over] introduces the main motif of the Prelude, which is imitated polyphonically on the manual [Great Principals 8-4-2, Flutes 8-4, Mixture], with some strong repeated chords adding to the excitement. The insouciant fugue subject is played on the Great [Flutes 8-4 and Principals 4-2] for a long time and when the Pedal finally enters [Principals 16-8-4 and Mixtur], it's with more of the repeated chords, sometimes staggered between left and right hands. All the Great and Pedal reeds except the Skalmeje 4 illuminate the brilliant final flourish. [5:21] HW1 Bach, Johann Sebastian: Nun danket alle Gott, BWV 079a A cheerful arrangement from Cantata No. 79 for two organists, one handling the trumpet parts, the other the organ. Originally prepared on March 21, 2000, the 315th anniversary of J.S. Bach's birthday, [2:14] HW1 Krebs, Johann Ludwig: Wachet auf From a series of eight Concerted Chorale Preludes in the form of an organ trio with the chorale usually played by a solo instrument. However, in this particular arrangement, the Huvudvaerk Trumpet 8 is used and the manual parts are combined in one hand. The Phantom does this with considerable panache, but it's a bit awkward for the non-virtual player. [3:14] HW1 Bach, Johann Sebastian: Trio Sonata No. 1, BWV 525 The first of six pieces written by Johann for his eldest son Wilhelm Friedeman Bach, to learn keyboard technique. He may have practiced them on a two manual and pedal clavichord. But it sounds delightful on an organ, and organists still study and perform them. The movements are [Allegro moderato] - Adagio - Allegro. [14:10] HW1 Bach, Johann Sebastian: Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BWV 684 The rolling bass line in the left hand (Rygpositiv: Gedakt 8' + Gedaktfløjte 4' + Gemshorn 2') supports the right hand (Huvudvaerk: Rørfløjte 8' + Oktav 4, coupled to Brystvaerk: Traegedakt 8' + -Rørfløjte + Principal 2), which artfully combines two voices in a sublime dialogue, while the chorale is sounded on the Pedal Trumpet 8' [4:55] Midi file available. HW1 Bach, Johann Sebastian: Fugue on the Magnificat, BWV 733 For full organ and pedal, which takes a long time to come in, but is worth the wait. [4:11] HW1 Bach, Johann Sebastian: Concerto in D minor (after Vivaldi), BWV 596 A very energetic transcription of a Vivaldi concerto, with a restful middle movement. Arrangement of Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto Op. 3, No. 11, RV565 or else Op. 12 by W.F. Bach. The variations in the arpeggios in the third movement were added to my performances years ago. Fortunately, I wrote them in my personal score along with rather precise registration ideas. The movements are Allegro - Fugue - Largo e spiccato - Allegro. [11:45] HW1 Walther, Johann Gottfried: Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott (I) Four distinct sections, with the Chorale appearing in the soprano in all but the second section, where it appears in the pedal. [2:42] HW1 Bach, Johann Sebastian: Toccata and Fugue in F Major, BWV 540 The Toccata is an exuberant, energy-filled extravaganza with many deceptive cadences at the end. This relatively little-known double fugue is enjoyable in its own right, however. The first subject is chromatic and the ornaments are preserved throughout. The second subject enters on the Swell and is a jumpy little thing. When the first theme reënters in the alto, though, Bach surprises us by following it with a pedal entrance of the second theme. Impulse reverberation added. A dry version of this track is available here. [12:30] HW1