Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Ton Koopman :: Bach: Organ Works (Box Set)

Exceptional performances, great sound, great value

Wayne A. | Belfast, Northern Ireland | 09/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I read very carefully through all the reviews of the various performances of Bach organ works by Koopman before purchasing this set. I'd owned both Walcha and Hurford and (to my shock) found the much-lauded Walcha set a bit dry and plodding, almost self-conscious. Hurford was certainly fun in a kind of Fourth of July way, and I'd pick up a two disc compilation if one was available, but his technicolor high-impact Bach got on my nerves after a while, and honestly his approach is not really suitable for many of these pieces--an overwrought sameness settles in, despite his imaginative use of stops. Koopman seemed to get high grades from every reviewer (except, oddly, just the one nearby) so I thought I'd give it a try, especially at this price.



Verdict?--a very nice balance point between the two other mentioned artists. This is not blockbuster Bach (and that's fine) but it's hardly academic-style performance (in fact he improvises a bit, especially in some familiar favorites). The negative reviewer found these rushed and poorly phrased but the other possible way to view the situation is that the performances reflect the period-instrument movement tendency toward brisker-than-traditional (in the last century) tempos and a less "romanticized" kind of playing (again, 20th century tradition).



The D minor Toccata and Fugue is a bit of a shocker, but as soon as it's trucking along one realizes that the "Stokowski" approach (even with solo organ) has probably bent the piece out of shape. Koopman's odd version actually sounds like it fits in with the rest of Bach's collected organ pieces. Listening to this is like (to pull another Stokowski reference out of my hat) hearing the original version of Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain" that no one ever hears--it just sounds more like Mussorgsky. The fact that Koopman chose not to play to the gallery (of either academics OR audiophiles) on this one tired lollipop impressed me mightily. Overall, this is the least exhausting large set of Bach organ pieces I've ever encountered, this due not just to the variety of organs used but to Koopman's individualizing of each piece through careful shaping and a very understated yet characterful use of stops.



For anyone wanting the traditional blockbuster Toccata and Fugue or just more traditional performances stay the heck away from this set. Really, you'll be really P.O.ed. Anyone else exploring this repertoire, especially those who have delved deeply into Bach and baroque music in general, should pick this up, as it's quite nice. Sadly, "Brilliant" stuff--which is often extraordinary--ends up in middle-of-the-road bookstores and similar places where it's bargain-priced and picked up by the unknowing.



One last note: the playing is impeccable and Koopman, in many of the appropriate works, seems to convey some real joy in his own playing. I think this was a fun project for him."

A treasure! BUY!

Musicus | Oslo, Norway | 10/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A 6CD-box of Bach's organ works with Ton Koopman to this price! Here you find preludiums, fugues, partitas, trio-sonatas, fantasias and chorals. As I cannot compare to other performers, I can only tell you that I like it very much. I can listen to it for hours! I guess that I can feel when something is inspired and not. I guess the reasons for this offer is that pure organ music has a limited appeal at the music market. I consider this my best buy ever, when it comes to quality, quantity for price! This is not going to be available for ever, so don't hesitate!"

Very nice package

Morbius | Beleraphon expedition, Forbidden Planet | 06/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i've only listened to 5 of the 6 cds but i am pleased beyond my expectations. the musicality and production quality are higher than i could fault. the price is super. great value. enjoy much."