The Leipzig Chorales were not intended as preludes for congregational singing, but as music to accompany the communion service or for concert performance.
Composition History
The Leipzig Chorales are not new compositions, but reworkings Bach made in Leipzig of organ chorales from his time as court organist in Weimar (1708-1717).
Performer Biography
Masaaki Suzuki, the performer on this album, is the founder and musical director of the Bach Collegium Japan, established in 1990.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach compiled the Leipzig Chorales as a "legacy project," intending to preserve the best of his earlier organ music repertoire for the future.
Instruments
The organ used for this recording is the Arp Schnitger Organ of Martinikerk, Groningen, which dates back to the 14th century and was significantly enlarged by Arp Schnitger in 1691.
Recording & Production
This Hybrid SACD recording offers playback in Stereo (CD and SACD) and 5.0 Surround sound (SACD), aiming to reproduce the natural sound of the concert venue.
Performer Biography
Masaaki Suzuki has received several prestigious awards, including the Leipzig Bach Medal in 2012 and the Bach Prize of the Royal Academy (UK) in 2013.
