Bach's mastery was universally recognized in his organ playing, with his obituary declaring him 'the greatest organist and clavier player that we have ever had'.
Recording & Production
The recording sessions took place in the evenings of May 24th, 25th, and 26th, 1994, amidst the sounds of hatching birds and overhead turboprop aeroplanes.
Composer Biography
During his lifetime, J.S. Bach's employers at Leipzig did not fully appreciate his talents, and his contemporaries were divided on the merits of his compositions.
Instruments
The organ used for this recording, located in the Abbey church of Amorbach, was completed in 1782 by the brothers Johann Philipp and Johann Heinrich Stumm.
Instruments
The Amorbach organ, originally built in 1782, underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1981-1982 by Steinmeyer & Co and Johannes Klais Orgelbau, returning manuals I-III to their original specification.
Recording & Production
Despite the presence of birds and aeroplanes during recording, careful editing and spacing of takes helped to minimize unwanted sounds, though birds can still be heard in quieter passages.
Performer Biography
Nicolas Kynaston, the organist on this album, was the organist of Westminster Cathedral from 1961 to 1971 before becoming a full-time concert organist.
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Preludium
53°32'46.0"N 9°59'42.4''E (Bach Organ Landscapes / Hamburg)
