[.ca] Complte Organ Works,M,-C,Alain

From Amazon.com:
Marie-Claire Alain is not only one of the greatest organists alive today, but she stands directly in a what is undoubtedly the world's greatest tradition of organ playing. It was France that first rediscovered and cultivated Bach's organ music, and which in turn stimulated the great works of Franck, Widor, Vierne, and their school. Alain has recorded Bach's complete organ music no less than three times, here on historical organs of Bach's own time. Each disc is planned as a recital that showcases both the music and the instrument. Her performances are simply the last word in style, musicianship, and virtuosity. Magnificent. --David Hurwitz

This is the one to have.:
This is the third complete cycle of the works of Bach that Marie-Claire Alain has recorded. In the hands of many other artists, that might seem redundant, but she clearly has something new to say. Each piece is played with life and inspiration. The organs and the spaces they are in are gorgeous. The organs are all Baroque instruments, some that Bach may have played and others that are wonderful copies of period instruments. The recording is clean and captures, as much as possible, the feeling of listening to the music in the space. As a teaching or resource tool, this cycle is invaluable. The booklet with each CD includes a description, in French, German and English, of each piece along with the registration that was used. The pieces are easy to find and organized to make listening to a whole CD a delight. Though it doesn't affect the sound quality of the recordings, the packaging is amazing with different, artistic photos of the organs that are played printed on the CDs themselves and on the booklets. I love the way Marie-Claire Alain plays just about everything. She strikes the perfect balance between rythmic integrity and musicality. Her registrations, articulations and interpretations are based in a depth of scholastic knowledge without sounding boring or pedantic. I treasure this set and have never regretted making the purchase.

Not _the best_, but...:
...In this category, can a true "best" ever emerge? Having said that, I can honestly tell you that this set is magnificent, having owned and enjoyed it since 1997. My only quibbles are that (1) some of Alain's registrations, while at the very least "good," are upstaged in several places by other performers whom I have on recording, and that (2) the recorded sound gives plenty of room to the organs' tones - sometimes _too much_ room, a problem that is also present on Alain's _Art of Fugue_ set, with the result that contrapuntal clarity gets smothered in a sea of reverb in some places (mind you, the "cloud of sound" approach works well with Bach's music, but I prefer clarity). Alain's technique and tempi, on the other hand, are untouchable. The disc with the trio sonatas is particularly good! I actually consider having multiple performances of Bach's music a must - my favorite set is Lionel Rogg's on Harmonia Mundi, but he is, by no means, definitive - and neither is Alain. They complement each other quite nicely!

Monumental Artistry:
Although I am partial to the Romantic Organ, particularly in the vein of Widor, Vierne and Rheinberger, it all begins with Bach. And in this case, one could say that it all begins with Marie-Claire Alain and her wonderful interpretations. Alain seems to understand that Bach was above all else a religious composer. Many "complete" works of Bach play short shrift with the liturgical works whereas these are some of the most satisfying of the group. The sound is pure sonority, almost perfect, and the technical prowess is just awesome. Out of the millions of notes played, I never heard a miscue or slight jiggle. Still, keyboard wizardry is only part of the story. The registration is a work of art in itself. Alain understand the difference between the Baroque and the Modern, the French and the German and the old and the new. Just as she is a "natural" for Widor or Vierne, she also seems to have entered the Bach mind on some of these. This is a fabulous collection worthy of any serious student of classical music. Nowhere can one derive such satisfaction that listenting to Bach played by Ms. Alain.

Bach on the Organ:
What? Just 2 reviews?? I've had this set for close to 4 years. Where do I start..... To tell the story of Bach and the organ, I must start at the beginning. I harbor no pretext of being an authority at all, in fact I really didn't know Bach till a few years ago. One day, I chanced to buy a CD with an assortment of classical music. I did that once every so often, since classical CD's are so cheap. I slipped it into my car not knowing at all what I'd just stumbled on. The second piece on this CD was music of an order I had not yet before encountered. To boot, I had just installed a new subwoofer in the car. Then this organ piece comes on. My friends. From that moment, I was a different person. It didn't hit me as hard initially, but I couldn't let go of this stupendous work of such magnificence. For days on end, I would play this one piece of organ music. Treasuring it as a jewel. I couldn't get over how grand, how utterly wonderful this work was, from every single note to it's entire whole. I've always enjoyed music, but this was something else. It made me feel miniscule. How could anyone.... I'm a financial consultant, and gosh did this make me feel worthless. Alright, I'll let you know which it was --Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (Dorian) for the organ. Not even one of Bach's major pieces. This was Miklos Spanyi on organ who did this. Marie-Claire does a good job on this set, but I had heard it first on the other recording, and you know it's never as good as the first time. Brethren, this wasn't the end. After a few weeks of listening to this, I kid you not, I would break down like a child when I played it. Sobbing and crying. Weeping uncontrollably. I'm a grown man, but it happened. I could not understand. I could not remember breaking down this way, so violently, since I was young boy. I am not a sop at all, one of those guys with a soft feminine side........no, no, no. This is what Bach can do to you. I was listening to angels. I could see them. No way I'll write my full name here in case this gets out. If I listened to it in the car, I would have to stop when Bach's counterpoints started their agonizing attacks of sheer splendor. I would stop the car on the side of the road, racked in sobs. I stopped listening to it in the morning going to work because my eyes would be red when I got into the office. In oblivion, driving home one night I did get a speeding ticket. I would be convulsing in anguish. As the Toccata builds to its end, Bach brings your pitiful soul through a wavy staircase lined with golden crescendos that don't seem to end. He then takes your wretched spirit, once strong, but piteous in the face of such perfection, and places it on the doorstep of the Fugue. At this grand entrance on the cadence, at this very point I would invariably be out of control, bawling like a babe. It was then I needed to see who this Bach was. Then I see a complete set of Bach Organ Works by a renowned organist. I was trembling when I got the set. It's about 3 years now, and I have since learned how to control myself. I am sorry I talk about Bach's organ and his effect on me, but please, I was just describing one gem. This is the collection. Buy it and be immersed in wonder. There is good literature that goes with the set. If you are looking for sentiment and give up a little bit of quality, you'll notice some difference. The recordings are excellent, but the idea of this grand project was to have it on a baroque organ, sounding like it would back then. They do mention the need for the organist to have to coax and cajole the instrument, unlike the modern electronic machines. The recordings are on a restored organ, which at first made me a little disappointed, but after a while you realize it presents the organist's talent quite a bit more. I also love hearing the slight sounds of the stops in the background - just that added sense of needing to be on earth before reaching glory. Thank you Alain

A Happy Sacrifice:
I gladly sacrificed two of the four speakers in my car to this wonderful, wonderful treasure. What more can I say?

• Prld & Fuge in e, BWV 548: Praludium
• Prld & Fuge in e, BWV 548: Fuge
• Choral: An Wasserflussen Babylon..., BWV 653
• Choral: Von Gott will ich nicht lassen..., BWV 658
• Choral: Schmucke dich, o liebe Seele..., BWV 654
• Prld & Fuge in b, BWV 544: Praludium
• Prld & Fuge in b, BWV 544: Fuge
• Drei Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr'...: Cantus firmus im Sopran, BWV 662
• Drei Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr'...: Cantus firmus im Tenor, BWV 663
• Drei Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr'...: Trio, BWV 664
• Toccata (Dorisch) & Fuge in d, BWV 538: Toccata
• Toccata (Dorisch) & Fuge in d, BWV 538: Fuge
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 618: O Lamm Gottes unschuldig
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 619: Christe, du Lamm Gottes
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 620: Christus, der uns selig macht
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 621: Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 622: O Mensch, bewein' dein' Sunde gross
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 623: Wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 624: Hilf Gott, dass mir's gelinge
• Prld & Fuge in g, BWV 535: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in g, BWV 535: Fuge
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 625: Christ lag in Todesbanden
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 626: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 627: Christ ist erstanden (3 vers)
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 628: Erstanden ist der heil'ge Christ
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 629: Erschienen ist der herrliche Tag
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 630: Heut' triumphiret Gottes Sohn
• Toccata & Fuge in C, BWV 566: Toccata
• Toccata & Fuge in C, BWV 566: Fuge
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 631: Komm, Gott Schopfer, heilieger Geist
• Orgelbuchlein, BWV 632: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend
• Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 545: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 545: Fuge
• Fuge in G, BWV 577
• Prld & Fuge in d, BWV 539: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in d, BWV 539: Fuge
• Choral: Wo soll ich fliehen hin, BWV 694
• Partita sopra: O Gott, du frommer Gott, BWV 767
• Choral: Wir Christenleut hab'n jetzund Freud, BWV 710
• Alla Breve in D, BWV 589
• Canzona in d, BWV 588
• Fuge in c, BWV 575
• Fuga sopra il Magnificat: Meine Seele erhebet den Herren, BWV 733
• Kleines harmonisches Labyrinth (Introitus, Centrum, Exitus), BWV 591
• Prld & Fuge in a, BWV 551: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in a, BWV 551: Fuge
• Prld & Fuge in e, BWV 533: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in e, BWV 533: Fuge
• Chorale: Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein, BWV 734
• Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 730
• Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731
• Chorale: In dulci jubilo, BWV 729
• Chorale: Herzlich tut mich verlangen, BWV 727
• Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 531: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 531: Fuge
• Chorale: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend, BWV726
• Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh'sei Ehr' (Bicinium), BWV 711
• Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh'sei Ehr', BWV 715
• Chorale: Fuga super Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', BWV 716
• Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr' (manualiter), BWV 717
• Chorale: Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV 718
• Chorale: Ach Gott und Herr (per canonem), BWV 714
• Fantasia con imitazione in b, BWV 563
• Chorale: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 722
• Chorale: Gottes Sohn ist kommen, BWV 724
• Chorale: Jesus, meine Zuversicht, BWV 728
• Chorale: Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich, BWV 732
• Chorale: Vater unser im Himmelreich, BWV 737
• Chorale: Vom Himmel hoch, da komm'ich her, BWV 738
• Chorale: Wie schon leuchter der Morgenstern, BWV 739
• Chorale: Wir glauben all' an einen Gott, BWV 765
• Chorale: Herr Gott, dich loben wir, BWV 725
• Prld & Fuge in c: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in c: Fuge
• Chorale: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend, BWV 709
• Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 706 (1+2)
• Chorale: Erbarm' dich mein, o Herre Gott, BWV 721
• Chorale: Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten, BWV 690
• Chorale: Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten, BWV 691
• Chorale: Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV 695
• Prld & Fuge in c: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in c: Fuge
• Partita: sopra Christ, der du bist der helle Tag, BWV 766
• Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 696
• Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 697
• Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Herr Christ, der ein'ge Gottes Sohn, BWV 698
• Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Nun komm'der Heiden Heiland, BWV 699
• Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Von Himmel hoch da komm' ich her, BWV 701
• Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Gottes Sohn ist kommen, BWV 703
• Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Lob sei dem allmachtigen Gott, BWV 704
• Choral: Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her, BWV 700
• Fuge in b uber ein Theme von Corelli, BWV 579
• Fantasia: Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 713
• Choral: In dich hab' ich gehoffet, Herr, BWV 712
• Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 547: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 547: Fuge
• Canonic Vars: Vom Himmel hoch, da komm' ich her, BWV 769
• Clavier Ubung Dritter Teil: Prld in E flat, BWV 552
• Chorale: Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit, BWV 669
• Chorale: Christe, aller Welt Trost, BWV 670
• Chorale: Kyrie, Gott heilinger Geist, BWV 671
• Chorale: Kyrie, gott Vater in Ewigkeit (manualiter), BWV 672
• Chorale: Christe, aller Welt Trost (manualiter), BWV 673
• Chorale: Kyrie, Gott heiliger Geist (manualiter), BWV 674
• Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', BWV 675
• Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', BWV 676
• Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr' (Fughetta), BWV 677
• Chorale: Dies sind die heil'gen zehn Gebot, BWV 678
• Chorale: Dies sind die heil'gen zehn Gebot (Fughetta), BWV 679
• Chorale: Wir glauben all' an einen Gott, BWV 680
• Chorale: Wir glauben all' an einen Gott (Fughetta) (manualiter), BWV 681
• Chorale: Vater unser im Himmelreich, BWV 682
• Chorale: Vater unser im Himmelreich (manualiter), BMV 683
• Chorale: Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam, BWV 684
• Chorale: Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam (manualiter), BWV 685
• Chorale: Aus tiefer Not schrei' ich zu dir, BWV 686
• Chorale: Aus tiefer Not schrei' ich zu dir (manualiter), BWV 687
• Chorale: Jesu Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 688
• Chorale: Jesu Christus, unser Heiland (Fuga) (manualiter), BWV 689
• Vier Duette: Duetto I, BWV 802
• Vier Duette: Duetto II, BWV 803
• Vier Duette: Duetto III, BWV 804
• Vier Duette: Duetto IV, BWV 805
• Fuge in E flat, BWV 552
• Chorale: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend' (Trio), BWV 655
• Chorale: Vor Deinen Thron tret' ich, BWV 668
• Prld & Fuge in c, BWV 546: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in c, BWV 546: Fuge
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 633
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 634
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Dies sind die heil' gen zehn Gebott, BWV 635
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Vater unser im Himmelreich, BWV 636
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Durch Adam's Fall ist ganz verderbt, BWV 637
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Es ist das Heil uns kommen her, BWV 638
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Ich dich hab'ich gehoffet, Herr, BWV 640
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Wenn wir in hochsten Noten sein, BWV 641
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten, BWV 642
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Alle Menschen mussen sterben, BWV 643
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Ach wie nichtig, ach, wir fluchtig, BWV 644
• Partita Sopra: Sei gregrusset, Jesu gutig, BWV 768
• Prld & Fuge in f, BWV 534: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in f, BWV 534: Fuge
• Fant in C, BWV 570
• Piece d'Orgue in G, BWV 572: Tres vitement-Gravement-Lentement
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland, BWV 599
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Gottes Sohn ist kommen, BWV 600
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Herr Christ, der ein' ge Gottes Sohn, BWV 601
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Lob sei dem allmachtigen Gott, BWV 602
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Puer natus in Bethlehem, BWV 603
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Gelobt seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 604
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Der Tag, der ist so freudenreich, BWV 605
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her, BWV 606
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar, BWV 607
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: In dulci jubilo, BWV 608
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich, BWV 609
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 610
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 611
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Wir Christenleut, BWV 612
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Helft mir, Gootes Gute preisen, BWV 613
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Das alte Jahr vergangen ist, BWV 614
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: In dir ist Freude, BWV 615
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Mir Fried' und Freud' ich fahr' dahin, BWV 616
• Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Herr Gott, nun schleuss den Himmel auf, BWV 617
• Fant in c, BWV 562
• Choral: Wir glauben all' an einen Gott, Vater, BWV 740
• Fant: Super Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 735
• Choral: Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 736
• Fuge uber ein Thema von Giovanni Legrenzi in c, BWV 574
• Prld & Fuge, BWV 532: Prld
• Prld & Fuge, BWV 532: Fuge
• Trio in d, BWV 656
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig, BWV 656
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Trio super 'Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 660
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland' in organo pleno, BWV 661
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Fantasia super Komm, heiliger Geist, BWV 651
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Komm, heiliger Geist, BWV 652
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Nun danket alle Gott, BWV 657
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 665
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 666
• Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Komm, Gott Schopfer, BWV 667
• Konzert in a, BWV 593: Allegro
• Konzert in a, BWV 593: Adagio
• Konzert in a, BWV 593: Allegro
• Konzert in d, BWV 596: (Allegro)-Grave-Fuga
• Konzert in d, BWV 596: Largo
• Konzert in d, BWV 596: Finale
• Konzert in C, BWV 594: (Allegro)
• Konzert in C, BWV 594: Rezitativ Adagio
• Konzert in C, BWV 594: Allegro
• Konzert in G, BWV 592: (Allegro)
• Konzert in G, BWV 592: Grave (Adagio)
• Konzert in G, BWV 592: Presto (assai)
• Konzert in C, BWV 595: (Allegro)
• Aria in F, BWV 587
• Prld & Fuge in A, BWV 536: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in A, BWV 536: Fuge
• Choral: An Wasserflussen Babylon, BWV 653b
• Prld & Fuge in G, BWV 550: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in G, BWV 550: Fuge
• Trio in g, BWV 584
• Toccata in d, BWV 565
• Toccate & Fuge in F, BWV 540: Toccata
• Toccate & Fuge in F, BWV 540: Fuge
• Prld (Fant) & Fuge in g, BWV 542: Prld
• Prld (Fant) & Fuge in g, BWV 542: Fuge
• Pastorella, BWV 590: 1
• Pastorella, BWV 590: 2
• Pastorella, BWV 590: 3
• Pastorella, BWV 590: 4
• Prld & Fuge in a, BWV 543: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in a, BWV 543: Fuge
• Toccata in C, BWV 564: Toccata
• Toccata in C, BWV 564: Adagio
• Toccata in C, BWV 564: Fuge
• Son I in E flat, BWV 525: Allegro moderato
• Son I in E flat, BWV 525: Adagio
• Son I in E flat, BWV 525: Allegro
• Son II in c, BWV 526: Vivace
• Son II in c, BWV 526: Largo
• Son II in c, BWV 526: Allegro
• Son III in d, BWV 527: Andante
• Son III in d, BWV 527: Adagio e dolce
• Son III in d, BWV 527: Vivace
• Son IV in e, BWV 528: Adagio
• Son IV in e, BWV 528: Andante
• Son IV in e, BWV 528: Un poco allegro
• Son V in C, BWV 529: Allegro
• Son V in C, BWV 529: Largo
• Son V in C, BWV 529: Allegro
• Son VI in G, BWV 530: Vivace
• Son VI in G, BWV 530: Lento
• Son VI in G, BWV 530: Allegro
• Passacaglia E Tema Fugatum in c, BWV 582
• Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 645: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
• Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 646: Wo soll ich fliehen hin
• Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 647: Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst...
• Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 648: Meine Seele erhebet den Herren
• Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 649: Ach, bleib' bei uns
• Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 650: Kommst du nun, Jesu...
• Fuge in g, BWV 578
• Prld & Fuge in g, BWV 541: Prld
• Prld & Fuge in g, BWV 541: Fuge
• Choral: Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 720
• Prld in G, BWV 568
• Adagio, BWV 1027: Adagio
• Adagio, BWV 1027: Allegro moderato (trio) (1027a)
• Ricercare a 6 (aus Das musikalische Opfer), BWV 1079-5
• Prld in a, BWV 569