Bach Organ Works

The seventh volume of Masaaki Suzuki's highly acclaimed complete edition of Johann Sebastian Bach's organ works presents yet another eleven pieces from the so-called "Leipziger Koralen". The first eleven were heard on Vol. 6 of the series. The chorales compiled in 1739 are not new compositions, but arrangements of organ works from the years 1708-17, when Bach still lived in Weimar. The chorale arrangements were not intended as preludes for congregational singing, but as incidental music for the communion service or as concert music. Bach devoted great care to this project and regarded it as his legacy. They are therefore considered one of the most important highlights of Bach's sacred organ music. As on the previous album, Masaaki Suzuki plays on the Arp Schnitger organ in the Martini Church in Groningen, one of the largest Baroque organs in Europe. Arp Schnitger was the most famous organ builder in northern Germany in the 17th century, and his admirers included Buxtehude, Händel and Bach himself.