My Organ Concert of 14 Sept. '23
Added 2023-09-24 11:36:41 +0000 UTCHello everyone!
I had the pleasure of performing a lunchtime concert in Leuven on September 14th,. This was a rather special program featuring only keyboard music, thus focusing on music without involving the pedal board (although I did incorporate it at times).
The concert included two pieces:
- Prelude and Fugue in E major (from the 2nd book of the WTC) by J.S. Bach
- Mozart's Sonata in F major, KV 280 (Allegro assai, Adagio, and Presto)
Organists seldom explore what is often referred to as 'keyboard' or even 'piano' music on the organ, a practice that I find unfortunate. Pieces like the WTC offer fresh perspectives on this music, making it well worth the effort to record it on the organ. The E major Prelude and Fugue, in particular, is fascinating. In the Prelude, Bach's composition almost rivals the music of his sons, exuding a light, friendly, and elegant quality. However, in the Fugue, we experience a stark contrast as we are transported back in time to the polyphonic era of the Renaissance. Of course, the organ excels in delivering those long, sustained notes, surpassing even other keyboard instruments, including the clavichord.
As for Mozart, I'm seriously considering including the recording of the 6 Munich sonatas (the earliest ones) on the organ when I record Mozart's keyboard works in a few years. I invite you to listen and share your thoughts on the matter. Playing this music on an instrument like the organ brings me immense joy, and I believe you'll feel the magic too. The impact of Mozart's music on the listener is undeniable, and you might even catch a glimpse of Anja's smile!
Please enjoy the music, and ... the Contius organ!
Warm regards, Wim
