J.S. Bach: Clavier-Übung III

J.S. Bach: Clavier-Übung III (2 CDs)

Regular price $21.21
Total playing time [105:08]

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Stephen Farr (organ)

The internationally acclaimed organist Stephen Farr presents his first J.S. Bach recording with the virtuosic Clavier-Übung III. Containing some of Bach's most stunning work, this collection demonstrates the composer at the height of his powers in composing for the organ and was one of the few works that Bach had published during his lifetime. 

Recorded on the Metzler organ of Trinity College, Cambridge, this album follows Farr's contemporary organ recital on the same instrument released on Resonus Classics in 2012 - Jacquet's Ghost (RES10111). Clavier-Übung III is performed here in its entirety, complete with the four 'Duetti'. 

Album Booklet (PDF)

Tracklist

'In a strong field this performance must be in the top three.'

- Gramophone

'It's a courageous first foray into the german master's music [...] Farr rises to the occasion, turning in performances that are as varied and vital as the music demands, intricate details inked with telling clarity and the elongated arc of the whole negotiated with nimble and nuanced aplomb. Superb recorded sound'
Choir and Organ (5 stars)

'[...] one can simply enjoy Farr's rock steady rhythmic playing, crisp articulation and commanding overview. His approach is refreshingly unfussy and quirk free, and he draws on an unfailingly interesting palette of tonal colours [...] In a strong field this performance must be in the top three.'
Gramophone

'[...] Farr's playing needs no musicological justification; it sparkles and seduces in equal measure, and the choice of instrument (the 1975 Metzler at Trinity College, Cambridge) seems completely wedded to the score'
Classical Ear

'It is an exciting listen and Farr copes admirably with all the challenges that Bach throws at him. As an enjoyable recital it is an easy recommendation'
Cross Rhythms

'All lovers of Bach's music should be prepared to order this new Resonus recording [...] I was so completely sold on this new recording I have no real reservations'
MusicWeb International (Brian Wilson - 'Recording of the Month')

'The recording is a very fine achievement, combining technical skill with a naturalness of playing, allied to the fine mechanical action Metzler organ so that this is a collection I would happily come back to again and again'
Planet Hugill

'This is the most enjoyable performance of Bach's Clavier-Ubung I can ever remember hearing. It is magnificently recorded and Stephen Farr makes full use of the colours available from the Metzler Organ of Trinity College, Cambridge. All in all this is a must-buy recording and one I shall return to again and again.'
MusicWeb International (Geoffrey Molyneux - 'Strongly recommended')

'The twenty-seven sections are finely characterised and the liner-notes include complete registrations so that we can follow the nuances of choice in the tone colour as the works progress. We look forward to the next release with keen anticipation. [...] An entrancing presentation of what itself is a well crafted collection of organ works.'
Lark Reviews

'[...] Farr’s choice of the 1975 Metzler organ in Trinity College, Cambridge, is a good one [...] Farr treats the organ as he finds it, making effective use of the available tone colours with a clear understanding how it would sound when recorded [...] powerful and energetic readings'
Andrew Benson-Wilson (andrewbensonwilson.org)

Credits
© 2013 Resonus Limited
Ⓟ 2013 Resonus Limited
Catalogue No. RES10120
Producer, engineer & editor: Adam Binks
EAN: 5060262790212
Cover Image: Leipzig (1749) by Joachim Ernst Scheffler