Tracklist below. Buy on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/nl/album/j.s.-bach-toccata-fugue-famous/id1077302539 For physical sales: http://brilliantclassics.com/articles/j/js-bach-toccata-fugue-famous-organ-music/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5g2Y6I05UyXD2mPLbLRZZN There is no piece of music as synonymous with the organ than J.S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV565: the two-note introductory motif is as well recognised as the opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and has featured widely in popular culture – in films such as Disney’s Fantasia and The Phantom of the Opera. Interestingly, it may actually be an arrangement for organ of an original work for violin, possibly not even by Bach himself! However, regardless of its authenticity, it is this fantastical and much-loved piece that opens Stefano Molardi’s recital of Bach’s greatest compositions for the ‘king of instruments’. Molardi’s programme continues with major works such as the Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C BWV564 and the monumental Passacaglia in C minor BWV582, interspersed with more delicate pieces from the composer’s different collections of chorale preludes – the Orgelbüchlein, ‘Schübler’ Chorales and third part of the Clavierübung. The Trio Sonata in C BWV529 adds some great variety to the compilation, and is a feat of technical ingenuity, with three individual melodies taken up by each hand and the feet of the player. This two-disc set brings together the best-known organ works by its greatest patron: a perfect introduction to organ music for a beginner, and a marvellous addition to the collection of an enthusiast already well-versed in the repertoire. Award-winning organist, harpsichordist, conductor and scholar Stefano Molardi is a peerless interpreter, with his ongoing recording of Bach’s Complete Organ Music for Brilliant Classics now into its third volume (BC94981). The instruments heard on this album date from Bach’s time, therefore bringing us as close as possible to the soundworld of the great Leipzig Cantor and allowing us to hear them as he might have done himself. 00:00:00 Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565: I. Toccata 00:02:22 Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565: II. Fugue 00:08:48 Das Orgel-Büchlein: Gott, durch deine Güte, BWV 600 00:10:08 Das Orgel-Büchlein: Der Tag, der ist so freudenreich, BWV 605 à 2 Clav. et Ped. 00:12:01 Das Orgel-Büchlein: Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar, BWV 607 00:13:19 Das Orgel-Büchlein: In dulci jubilo, BWV 608 00:15:05 Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major, BWV 564: I. Toccata 00:20:54 Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major, BWV 564: II. Adagio 00:25:25 Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major, BWV 564: III. Fugue 00:30:34 Das Orgel-Büchlein: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639 00:32:59 Das Orgel-Büchlein: Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein, BWV 641 00:34:53 Organ Concerto in A Minor, BWV 593: I. Allegro 00:38:47 Organ Concerto in A Minor, BWV 593: II. Recitative. Adagio 00:42:18 Organ Concerto in A Minor, BWV 593: III. Allegro 00:46:19 18 Chorale Preludes: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 à 2 Clav. et Ped. 00:51:02 18 Chorale Preludes: Trio super Allein Gott in der Höh sei Her, BWV 664 00:56:40 Passacaglia in C Minor, BWV 582 01:10:56 Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542: I. Fantasia 01:16:16 Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542: II. Fugue 01:23:09 Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme in E-Flat Major, BWV 645 01:27:37 Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter, BWV 650 01:31:20 Organ Sonata No. 5 in C Major, BWV 529: I. Allegro 01:36:39 Organ Sonata No. 5 in C Major, BWV 529: II. Largo 01:43:06 Organ Sonata No. 5 in C Major, BWV 529: III. Allegro 01:46:53 Das Orgel-Büchlein: O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß, BWV 622 01:52:42 Das Orgel-Büchlein: Hilf, Gott, daß mir’s gelinge, BWV 624 01:53:59 Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 538: I. Toccata 01:59:46 Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 538: II. Fugue 02:09:26 Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam, BWV 684 02:13:40 Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654 à 2 Clav. et Ped. 02:22:46 Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541: I. Prelude 02:25:47 Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541: II. Fugue