Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Toccata et Fugue en ré mineur, BWV 565
Extraits du Petit livre d'orgue
Toccata, Adagio et fugue en do, BWV 564
Concerto en la mineur d'après Vivaldi, BWV 593
Extraits de "Préludes Chorals"
Passacaille en do mineur, BWV 582
Fantaisie et fugue en sol mineur, BWV 542
Extraits des "Chorals Schübler"
Sonate en trio en do, BWV 529
Toccata et Fugue en ré mineur, BWV 538
Extraits des "Clavierübung, partie III"

Stefano Molardi, orgue

There is no piece of music as synonymous with the organ than J.S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV565: the two-note introductory motif is as well recognised as the opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and has featured widely in popular culture – in films such as Disney’s Fantasia and The Phantom of the Opera. Interestingly, it may actually be an arrangement for organ of an original work for violin, possibly not even by Bach himself! However, regardless of its authenticity, it is this fantastical and muchloved piece that opens Stefano Molardi’s recital of Bach’s greatest compositions for the ‘king of instruments’. Molardi’s programme continues with major works such as the Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C BWV564 and the monumental Passacaglia in C minor BWV582, interspersed with more delicate pieces from the composer’s different collections of chorale preludes – the Orgelbüchlein, ‘Schübler’ Chorales and third part of the Clavierübung. The Trio Sonata in C BWV529 adds some great variety to the compilation, and is a feat of technical ingenuity, with three individual melodies taken up by each hand and the feet of the player. This twodisc set brings together the best-known organ works by its greatest patron: a perfect introduction to organ music for a beginner, and a marvellous addition to the collection of an enthusiast already wellversed in the repertoire. Award-winning organist, harpsichordist, conductor and scholar Stefano Molardi is a peerless interpreter, with his ongoing recording of Bach’s Complete Organ Music for Brilliant Classics now into its third volume (BRIL94981). The instruments heard on this album date from Bach’s time, therefore bringing us as close as possible to the soundworld of the great Leipzig Cantor and allowing us to hear them as he might have done himself.