J.S. Bach on the Organ

[Harry]

I already own Helmut Walcha, Wolfgang Rubsam and Massaki Suzuki recordings, all are just 2 CD collections. I don't really want to wade through 128 pages of discussion (yes I am lazy) but am interested in adding maybe a complete set and thought it wise to solicit advice here. Thanks for any help.

There are many recordings of Bach organ works, and really the best way to find out which of them you
like or dislike is listening to samples on Youtube and other places. I am sure Premont, the organ specialist on Fu will give you some good leads. I have many sets of Bach's organ works, and my favourite would be the Aeolus set with Ewald Kooiman and others. Olivier Vernet would be a good second, Weingartner is also praise worthy, Foccroulle if you like a technical approach, Christopher Herrick is also a favourite of mine, but I was not able to get the complete set, it's OOP, etc etc, just listen to all of them, I am sure you find the recordings you like.

[Marc]

There are many recordings of Bach organ works, and really the best way to find out which of them you like or dislike is listening to samples on Youtube and other places. [...]

Seconded.

For the rest: there are indeed a few posts by me, myself and I, and by Premont, and by Harry (and his corner), and by many others, and those are real good advices (of course my advices are the best), but, since there are so many good recordings, your own ears might be your best counselor.

[Harry]

Seconded.

For the rest: there are indeed a few posts by me, myself and I, and by Premont, and by Harry (and his corner), and by many others, and those are real good advices (of course my advices are the best), but, since there are so many good recordings, your own ears might be your best counselor.

Well at least you made me laugh for quite a while, so that's, to begin with, not a bad score for a Thursday morning or any other morning for that matter 

[Marc]

Well at least you made me laugh for quite a while, so that's, to begin with, not a bad score for a Thursday morning or any other morning for that matter 

And I even forgot to second your positive remark(s) about the Kooiman & pupils (Aeolus) set. One 'disadvantage': it's quite expensive.

[Marc]

I think this is an interesting recording, both from the point of the view of the monumental performances, and from the point of view of the monumental organs.

I'm glad I have that one, too.
(From time to time, I'm in urgent need for some weight.)

[Harry]

And I even forgot to second your positive remark(s) about the Kooiman & pupils (Aeolus) set. One 'disadvantage': it's quite expensive.

Tis forgiven

When I bought this set, it was for a very affordable price, and I urged everyone to buy, for I knew the price would go up massively, and it did. Almost none took it up. Those that really wanted it, fished behind the net, for it is not likely that it will be lowered in price any time soon. It's a bit like with the Christopher Herrick box, I waited too long, and now it's gone, or to be bought at a ridiculous high price. Bugger!

[Gorio1968]

Thank you all, that was exactly what I needed. I will now spend an afternoon on Youtube and let my ears decide.

I had the Ton Koopman set but lost custody due to divorce; sadly I had never listened to them properly. My ex knew the best way to hurt me was to take both of the "complete" sets of Bach I had ordered. Note to self; prenums need to cover music!

[SurprisedByBeauty]

I had the Ton Koopman set but lost custody due to divorce; sadly I had never listened to them properly. My ex knew the best way to hurt me was to take both of the "complete" sets of Bach I had ordered. Note to self; prenums need to cover music!

  Ouch. One just never thinks of that, when all's well and wonderful. If my future ex-wife (a contingency I hope will never happen, obviously) were to pinch me where it hurts most, Bach-box-wise, she would probably take the Ruebsam I or Rogg sets. But part of my attachment to those might just be their relative rarity, nost just because I love them for the playing. (Though I do.)

[Marc]

  Ouch. One just never thinks of that, when all's well and wonderful. If my future ex-wife (a contingency I hope will never happen, obviously) were to pinch me where it hurts most, Bach-box-wise, she would probably take the Ruebsam I or Rogg sets. But part of my attachment to those might just be their relative rarity, nost just because I love them for the playing. (Though I do.)

If it happens (fingers crossed it won't)... we'll arrange some uploads of those rare retro OOP stuff you seem to like.

[Mandryka]

I think this CU3 is worth knowing, very fine performances I'd say from Paretti and Kuper, apparently on a 19th century organ (Engelhardt), but in the best possible taste. And how wonderful to hear the manualiter chorales played so well on a harpsichord. The style is muscular and forward moving rather than reflective, and it sounds right like that. Fabulous sound.

My info about the organ comes from the customer review on Amazon.de. I can't confirm it or find out more details. Whatever it is it's a very fine instrument.

[Mandryka]

I already own Helmut Walcha, Wolfgang Rubsam and Massaki Suzuki recordings, all are just 2 CD collections. I don't really want to wade through 128 pages of discussion (yes I am lazy) but am interested in adding maybe a complete set and thought it wise to solicit advice here. Thanks for any help.

I really wonder whether buying a complete set is such a good idea, especially these days when you can hear decent performances on streaming services so easily. What I think is better is to find a piece of music that specially interests you -- maybe sonatas or chorales or a fugue or whatever -- and then seek out advice about what the most imaginative performances on record are. Or alternatively it may be a certain type of organ sound which tickles your fancy and you can take it from there. Or a performer may appear specially charismatic.

[prémont]

I think this CU3 is worth knowing, very fine performances I'd say from Paretti and Kuper, apparently on a 19th century organ (Engelhardt), but in the best possible taste. And how wonderful to hear the manualiter chorales played so well on a harpsichord. The style is muscular and forward moving rather than reflective, and it sounds right like that. Fabulous sound.

My info about the organ comes from the customer review on Amazon.de. I can't confirm it or find out more details. Whatever it is it's a very fine instrument.

It is in my CDs to be listened to pile. Here is some info on the organ he plays:

http://kirchenmusik-suedwestharz.de/herzberg-engelhardt-orgel.html

[Gorio1968]

I really wonder whether buying a complete set is such a good idea, especially these days when you can hear decent performances on streaming services so easily. What I think is better is to find a piece of music that specially interests you -- maybe sonatas or chorales or a fugue or whatever -- and then seek out advice about what the most imaginative performances on record are. Or alternatively it may be a certain type of organ sound which tickles your fancy and you can take it from there. Or a performer may appear specially charismatic.

Good advice, thank you. However, I often travel to areas where I have no internet access for extended periods of time so streaming is not an option. Also, I have already started to build a small Bach library and I would like a full set just to be completist. In these digital days it is easier to carry at least one recording of every work of Bach (that we know of) on a phone (OnePlus 5G 128Gb). Now I have lost my "complete" sets I have started collecting recommended recordings of every extant work and a few version when it comes to my personal favourites.

[Wakefield]

Good advice, thank you. However, I often travel to areas where I have no internet access for extended periods of time so streaming is not an option. Also, I have already started to build a small Bach library and I would like a full set just to be completist. In these digital days it is easier to carry at least one recording of every work of Bach (that we know of) on a phone (OnePlus 5G 128Gb). Now I have lost my "complete" sets I have started collecting recommended recordings of every extant work and a few version when it comes to my personal favourites.

I tend to think that people know quite exactly what they want. 

You want a complete set (assuming your Walcha or Rübsam aren't); so without to ask any further information, I would suggest you to explore this one:

Marie-Claire Alain, second integral.

This set:



https://www.amazon.com/Bach-JS-Complete-Organ-Works/dp/B005LBJYAK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521140779&sr=8-1&keywords=marie+claire+complete

[prémont]

You want a complete set (assuming your Walcha or Rübsam aren't); so without to ask any further information, I would suggest you to explore this one:

Marie-Claire Alain, second integral.

This set:

Also good advice. However if Gorio1968 prefers period instruments, I would rather suggest Foccroulle.

[Gorio1968]

Also good advice. However if Gorio1968 prefers period instruments, I would rather suggest Foccroulle.

I missed the HIP wars and just trust my ears (subjective and obviously personal) but lean towards what is referred to as HIP. I hope to make time tomorrow to listen to some Foccroulle, thank you all.

---

On a separate note, I was sidetracked earlier and explored some of this sites recommendation for Bach's cello suites... I never thought any recording would supplant Maestro Rostropovich (who I had the blessing of seeing live at the opening of the Snape Maltings school on the 28th of April 1979 when it was opened by HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother) but some of you had recommended Arnau Tomàs, I have now purchased his recording and cannot thank you enough for your recommendations.

[Baron Scarpia]

Also good advice. However if Gorio1968 prefers period instruments, I would rather suggest Foccroulle.

... or Alain III (which I am partial to, haven't heard Foccroulle).

[Marc]

Also good advice. However if Gorio1968 prefers period instruments, I would rather suggest Foccroulle.

... or Alain III (which I am partial to, haven't heard Foccroulle).

Nah, he should pick the Hänssler set.

Ha!
These interactions should be the start of another 129 pages.
It will give Gorio1968 something to read.

[prémont]

... or Alain III (which I am partial to, haven't heard Foccroulle).

I suggested the Foccroulle set, finding it superior to Alain III - not as to the chosen organs but as to interpretation.

Nah, he should pick the Hänssler set.

In my view the Hänssler set is too uneven for a first recommendation.

[Mandryka]

I thought I'd do a scientific test, I just listened to Alain III and Foccroulle in BWV 656. Based on that sample, I wouldn't recommend either - Weinberger's  much more interesting to hear.

I'd forgotten how underarticulated Alain III can be, and how fast Foccroulle can be.