The well-thought-out third part of Bach's Clavier Übung does not lack attention, and that is understandable. Every organist will find himself challenged by this technical and substantive highlight of Bach's organ works. Apart from the required technical virtuosity, the organist will have to delve into the chorale texts that Bach sets here. In most works the melody of these chorales sounds slowly,
… like cantus firmus, around which other melodies are woven. In the first series of pieces, on the fairly general text 'Lord have mercy on you' and 'Christ have mercy on you', the relationship between that text and the sober, solemn music can still be reasonably well understood. But then the party starts: the lyrics become more complicated and the music also becomes more and more complex. But Bach wouldn't be Bach, if he makes all of this sound not only beautiful but also compelling and moving. The highlight is undoubtedly the grand setting of the 'Vater unser' (the Lord's Prayer), here on track 5 of CD 2, where Bach is unprecedentedly ambitious and modest at the same time. Organist Rainer Goede takes us skilfully along this musical labyrinth. He plays solidly, and also provides useful information about the work and the organ in the CD booklet. (TC)more
