This splendid two-disc set continues to reinforce MD&G's peerless reputation in the organ recordings field. Bach's Leipzig Chorales are amongst his most popular works and although short in the most part, the depth is never far away. Craig Humber's playing is of the highest order and he is right there amongst the best which include Peter Hurford, Christopher Herrick and the great Helmut Walcha.
The real star of this set is however the Silbermann Organ in Freiburg. In fact Humber expounds on the myriad virtues of this splendid instrument in an extensive essay which accompanies the discs and which demonstrates his profound admiration for this particular organ. The sounds and deep fortissimos are especially apparent in the second work on disc, "Komm Heiliger Geist", surely one of Bach's most inspired works for the organ.
MD&G's multichannel DSD recording captures all the sonic splendor of this great organ as well as its more tender moments. Humber's interpretations are right up there with the very best so those wishing to invest in a new version of these chorales should investigate without delay.
Copyright © 2010, Gerald Fenech.