This is a reissue of the major works from Kevin Bowyer's monumental 17 volume Bach cycle for Nimbus. It is a miracle that this unfinished project was finally brought to completion a few months ago and although it has occasionally received some quirky, press, there's no denying the magnificence and excitement behind Bowyer's towering interpretations.
Another Bach organ cycle that is coming my way of late is that of Hans Helmut Tillman's renderings for Danacord, but that has left me slightly under impressed in places. So it was indeed refreshing to return to Bowyer's no nonsense readings especially the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor, the expansive, Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major, BWV 564 and the equally impressive Toccata in D Major, BWV 912.
The sound of the Marcussen Organ in Odense is admirably suited to these works which come alive in the manner of Hurford or Walcha but with much more charm and brilliance. Those who have studiously collected Bowyer's recordings over the years will not want this double CD set but newcomers are urged to acquire the set as an ideal introduction to that unique sound world that is Bach's organ music.
Copyright © 2006, Gerald Fenech