December Bach-of-the-Month Honors

December is a good month for Bach.  Of course, ANY month is a great month for him!  So, once again, it's time for our Bach-of-the-Month Awards!

In looking through all the splendid uploads of Bach's music that was uploaded during this month, I soon realized that I couldn't limit my "choice" to just three selections.  So, I'm just calling attention to a few that I felt stood out - either because of exceptional playing, colorful use of the organ, an unusual or even an "unknown" piece, or, in most cases, by a combination of all of the above.

These uploads are not given in any particular order, but just in the order that they occurred to me.

1) The fine "Orgelbüchlein" series uploaded by , uploaded by ESchoen, on the spectacular Utrecht - Dom, Bätz Organ, published by SP.  This organ shows its versatility with pieces of all styles, and continues to be a favorite for players and listeners.

Congratulations and Thanks to you, Engelbert!  Your impeccable playing and active participation on the Concert Hall is appreciated and admired by many.  BRAVO!!!

2) The sparkling performance of "Fuga sopra il Magnificat; Meine Seele erhebet den Herren, BWV 733" by petervdzwaag.  This time, the featured organ is the Rotterdam - Laurenskerk - Main Organ, again published by SP.

https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/14996

Anyone who is listened to even a few measures of Peter's playing immediately realizes that they are listening to a master performer.  His variety of repertoire is always a wonderful thing to see, and more importantly, to hear!

Thank you, Peter!  BRAVO!!!

3) The vigorous playing in the "Toccata, BWV 654" under the skilled hands and feet of matova is certainly a standout - and, it's from memory!

This time, the organ is OAM's Bosch-F. C. Schnitger Vollenhove, and the link for the music can be found here: https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/14992

Thank you, Manuel!  BRAVO!!!

4) I mentioned at the start of this article about making acquaintance with an "unknown" work, and this month we were treated to the "Trio super Was Gott tut das ist wohlgetan" played on the SP - Freiberg Silbermann of 1735 by Karel_van_Ingen.  The music can be found here: https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/15068

Speaking for myself, I have never heard this work, but it was a treat to hear this so brilliantly performed.  Karel's attentiveness to detail, phrasing and use of color is always well-worth observing, as there is much to be found there.  This "new" one is a delight!

Thank you, Karel!  BRAVO!!!

5) The fifth performance that I've selected is the "Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 564", one of my personal favorites.  The music can be found here: https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/15151

This is an "unusual" rendering by LucV.  I say "unusual" because of the highly original use of sounds not usually associated with a Bach prelude and fugue.  The use of the tremulant in the "Fantasia" is striking, and the entire performance demonstrates a "personal" approach to the music. 

The organ for this performance is the OAM's dynamic J. A.Silbermann-Metzler, Arlesheim, and both organ and organist shine!

Thank you, LucV!  BRAVO!!!

6) My "last" choice for the month was uploaded by one of our newer members, sanden.  It is the Sinfonia from Cantata BWV 29 "Wir danken dir, Gott", and was arranged by Alexandre Guilmant.  (The music is included!)  The link for this performance is here: https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/15174

The organ heard is the OAM 1854/80 Ducroquet/Cavaillé-Coll Organ of the St. Sauveur Cathedral, Aix-en-Provence/Provence, France.  What a pity we don't get this organ more often.  The music, the organ, and the organist are all winners in this triumphant delivery of this always-popular piece.

Since Enrico joined the Concert Hall, he has been an active participant, not only by his fine uploads, but also by his enthusiastic and positive comments and participation on a daily basis.

Thank you, Enrico!  BRAVO!!!

I hope that everyone reading this will have a Happy and Blessed Christmas, and that 2015 will be a year of hope, goodness, and peace for all of us!

David

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