1724 Cahman organ at the Kristine Church, Falun, Sweden

No questions are asked when the name of Bach comes up. He is the undisputed master of organ music by worldwide acclaim, and this week, we offer a multi-national celebration of Bachian art, works of amazing grace and glorious intensity. From across Europe and the United States come a host of players, from Albert Schweitzer to David Schrader, Aram Basmadjian to Pierre Bardon. From England, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, The Netherlands, France and America, our retrospective celebrates universal appeal and border-crossing cooperation. It’s Bach International.

…during his later Leipzig years, Bach revised and prepared a diverse collection of chorale preludes that were his final testament in this format.

…youthful masterpieces inspired by Bach, his last compositions, and other surprises.

…praises, blessings, and general glorifications make these compositions particularly splendid.

…Selections for the seasons of Advent and Christmas by European composers.

…A miscellany of music and musicians in homage to the greatest of all organists.

…A visit with the resourceful and mobile Swedish organist, who shares some of his repertoire enthusiasms.

…A New Year's sampler of recent releases.

…Variants on the Reformation Hymn, and other musics of faith and fortitude.

Both early and late in life, the special power of organ music spoke profoundly through the art of Johannes Brahms [1833-1897]. This centenary tribute includes it all. In his teens, while studying with Robert and Clara Schumann, Brahms thought of becoming a professional organist, but gave up the notion as being fiscally impractical. His four early works show that he well understood the instrument’s potential. His very last compositions, the Chorale-preludes, were dedicated to the memory of his lifelong friend, Clara Schumann. This program provides a sampler overview of available Brahms recordings, many of which individually emcompass Brahms’ complete works.