During his time as court organist in Weimar, Bach was commissioned by the Duke of Saxe-Weimar to arrange Italian concertos for organ, a 'newest fashion' the Duke discovered in Amsterdam.
Historical Context
Bach's music experienced a significant revival during German Romanticism, largely due to Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's efforts, and influenced many composers.
Instruments
The organ in the Stadtkirche Durlach is a unique instrument combining elements from three different eras: Baroque (Stumm brothers, 1759), Romantic (Heinrich Voit, 1895), and modern (Goll, 1999).
Compositional Technique
Bach's organ arrangements of Italian concertos achieve a virtuosic, organ-appropriate version through varied manual changes, registration subtleties, and careful additions of chords and voices.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Johann Sebastian Bach himself frequently transcribed his own works and those of other composers, particularly Italian concertos for harpsichord or organ.
Interpretation
Max Reger's and Sigfrid Karg-Elert's arrangements of Bach's works reflect the late Romantic ideal of the symphonic organ, with extensive dynamic range and technical possibilities, contrasting with modern historically informed performance.
Performer Biography
Martin Schmeding, the organist on this recording, has won numerous national and international awards, including the German Record Critics' Award in 2009 and the Echo Klassik Instrumentalist of the Year Award in 2010.
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