Daniel Chorzempa (1944-2023)

[pjme]

Many organ lovers will be saddened by the death of this musician.

"Organist Daniel Chorzempa studied at the University of Minnesota from 1955-1965, then at the Staatliche Musikhochschule in Cologne before returning to Minnesota to complete his Ph.D. in 1971. He began his career as a pianist, first in Hamburg and Cologne in 1969, then in Oxford and London in 1970 and 1971; however, it was his debut as an organist in London in 1969 that gained him critical acclaim.

Chorzempa's fluent, pianistic technique allowed him to tackle some of the more virtuosic organ works, particularly those of Liszt and Reubke. It was also his background as a pianist that has led him to make a point of playing from memory, which is rare among organists, and at one time caused something of a sensation at his recitals. His recordings, in addition to the great nineteenth century virtuoso works, also encompassed many of the traditional works by Bach. Since 1970, Chorzempa was a member of the Studio für Elektronische Musik, Cologne, where he was active as a composer of electronic music. Daniel Chorzempa died on March 27, 2023 at the age of 78."

Source: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/daniel-chorzempa-mn0000762560/biography

[prémont]

Many organ lovers will be saddened by the death of this musician.

Yes, indeed. Rest In Peace.

[Mandryka]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOyWt6V40PU&ab_channel=DanielChorzempa-Topic

That's the fugue from BWV 552 -- a fitting piece to commemorate the man, because the interpretation is so bold, and, I think, distinctively Chorzempa-ish.

Unfortunate that his Well Tempered Clavier is so rare. I know the man (who also recently died) who was responsible for persuading him to record Book 2 (which was 10 years or so after he had recorded Book 1.) Philips released it on CDs, which were rapidly snapped up, and then Philips promptly forgot about it. And so it sits to this day , forgotten, in a safe somewhere in their offices. Maybe his death will prompt a reissue.