| Review
of J. S. Bach Organ Works, Vol. III: For Music Lovers and Connoisseurs |
| The
Organ, Vol 77, No 304 |
| "This
disc is the antithesis of the numerous recordings of Bach where
dazzling tempi and quirky registrations - Bourdon 8 and Tierce 4/5
for example - which tinkle merrily are thought to convey the great
essence of the baroque. To me these are far off the mark and makes
this disc a welcome change. The organ by Brombaugh of 1986 with
its four manuals and 108 ranks is built in the historical style,
and as well as looking sumptuous it sounds absolutely superb, with
the icing on the cake being the unobtrusive rattle of the action
and the flexible - not wobbily - wind.
"George
Ritchie plays with great maturity and his interpretation of the
complete Clavierubung Part III is sensitive and enlightening. From
the majestic Preludes and Fugues which open and close the work respectively
through the large and small Chorale Preludes to the diminutive duetti
every piece receives the same scholarly attention from Ritchie.
The ornamentation and phrasing is perfect, and even in the most
complex pieces he manages to make the Chorale melodies sing out
from the interweaving accompaniment. The six Schübler Chorales
are given a similar treatment, and the sixth Trio Sonata is dispatched
with ease. The programme is brought to a fitting close by the Prelude
and Fugue in C minor, BMV 546, displaying the full might of the
instrument.
"This is
certainly the finest Bach performance I have heard in a long while
and it will be taking pride of place on my shelves. This is Volume
III of a yet to be finished complete set and once the remaining
volumes are released I know that all other discs of Bach in my collection
will be obsolete. If you need further convincing, the programme
notes are excellent, full registration details are given, and it
is two discs of the price of one. What more need I say?" |
| Simon
FitzGerald |
| The
American Organist, January,
2006 |
| J.S.
BACH ORGAN WORKS, Vol. III. George
Ritchie, organist. Raven OAR-400 (2 CDs), from the Organ Historical
society). [Clavierübung III, BWV 552, 669-689,
802-805; Schübler Chorales, BWV 645-650; Trio Sonata
6, BWV 530; Prelude and Fugue in c, BWV 546.] |
Subtitled
“For Music Lovers and Connoisseurs,” after Bach’s
title page to Clavierübung III, this collection is performed
on the Anton Heiller Memorial Organ at Southern Adventist University
in Collegedale, Tenn. (IV/108 Brombaugh, 1986). The playing has the
same fine traits that Dr. Ritchie’s other Bach recordings exhibit:
rhythmic intensity, architectural line, elegant phrasing and articulation,
and appropriate registrations ranging from bold and forceful to restrained
and quiet. Every piece in this set is a masterwork, but some stand
out, such as the Prelude and Fugue, both sets of Kyries, the big Vater
unser, and the big Jesus Christus, unser Heiland. In
addition to the complete Clavierübung III, other notable
works from Bach’s later years are included, notable among them
being the last Trio Sonata. The organ is a sonic tour de force, with
complete principal choruses (based on 16/ or 8/ for the manuals and
32/ for the pedal), beautiful flutes, and colorful reeds. The program
booklet has excellent notes on all the pieces by George Stauffer,
the organ specification, and the registrations employed.
|
|
Arthur Lawrence, AAGO |
|