Clavier Übung III is not only a musical setting of the Catechism but also an 'encomium to the Holy Trinity,' with the number three permeating its structure.
Compositional Technique
Each chorale in Clavier Übung III exists in two versions: a large one for one or two manuals and pedals, and a shorter one for manual alone, mirroring Luther's Large and Small Catechism.
Instruments
The Pirkkala Church organ, built in 1995 by Kangasalan Urkurakentamo, was designed after the North German tradition by Pentti Pelto.
Composition History
Bach's Clavier Übung III was published in 1739, coinciding with Leipzig's celebration of the bicentenary of the Lutheran Reformation.
Compositional Technique
The collection begins and ends in E-flat major, a key with three flats, and the opening prelude has three themes, further emphasizing the number three.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The 12 organ chorales in Clavier Übung III are based on hymns focusing on the six chief parts of the Lutheran Catechism: the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession, and Communion.
Performer Biography
Liisa Aaltola, the organist on this album, is a church musician who has performed Bach's entire organ output in a five-year concert series.
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