Pathos & Freude - Organ Works by J.S. Bach

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This CD presents a selection of important works from different genres by J S Bach. Martin U. Sander reveals an impressive understanding of how to bring the baroque organ to life. The verve and virtuosity of Vivaldi's orchestral works are thus equally noticeable in Bach's organ arrangements. In the second movement of the trio sonata, Sander masters the imaginative ornamentations in the chamber music style of the time which other interpreters often avoid due to their immense complexity. In the Prelude - one of Bach's most remarkable and magnificent pieces - he uses the glorious and yet transparent full texture of the Wagner Organ with celebratory, vigorous joy.

The Wagner Organ dates back to the late baroque era and is housed in the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim (Norway). The cathedral also accommodates the tombs of the first Christian Viking kings and continues to serve as the coronation church of Norwegian royalty. The organ was delivered to Trondheim around 1740 by the organ builder Joachim Wagner. Having been evacuated shortly before the Second World War and stored for many years in the cellar of the cathedral, the organ was reassembled and fully restored only a few years ago. Whilst most other instruments which were made by Wagner - who knew the Bach family well and was known as the "Silbermann of the Mark Brandenburg" - were modified insensitively or destroyed by war, this, one of his most important works is now housed, in outstanding condition, in the Norwegian "national treasure" of the Nidaros Cathedral and allows us to hear Bach's music as he might have heard it himself.

Martin U. Sander often appears as a soloist in concerts and is also Professor of organ in Heidelberg and Basel. He regularly gives masterclasses at home and abroad and adjudicates at international competitions. Winning prestigious awards at national and international organ competitions played an important part in paving his way as a concert artist. Martin U. Sander has performed with leading orchestras and at major music festivals both at home and abroad.