The renowned organist Aart Bergwerff wins the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik! This was just announced on the website of the PDSK. It concerns Aart's recent album with the six sonatas for organ (BWV 525-530) by Johann Sebastian Bach. These works, originally composed as practice material for Bach's son Wilhelm Friedemann, rank among the most virtuosic and refined pieces within organ literature. Bergwerff lets this music sound in all its glory on the historic Wiegleb organ (1739) in the St. Gumbertuskirche in Ansbach, an instrument that, with its authentic tonal colors and playing characteristics, is uniquely suited to these masterworks.
The jury of the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik is also extremely enthusiastic about this album:
"With the beautiful organ of the court and chapter church of St. Gumbertus in Ansbach, Franconia, built in 1739 by Johann Christoph Wiegleb, Aart Bergwerff has chosen an almost ideal instrument to present Bach's trio sonatas in an impressive manner. He finds the perfect tempo for each section, impressively illuminates the depth dimensions of the slow middle movements with rich colors and catapults the listener into the middle of a spectacular spatial sound experience. Simply magnificent! "
In short, a pleasant surprise on this Valentine's Day 2025, this award for Aart Bergwerff.