Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

In preparing this programme award winning British-Australian organist and choral conductor Dr Joseph Nolan looked to see if a recording of Reubke's "Sonata On The 94th Psalm" on the remarkable 1738 Christian Muller organ of St Bavo in the Dutch city of Haarlem had ever been commercially released. On finding that it had not, Nolan made it the finale of a splendid collection of Germanic organ classics. The illuminating liner notes by Ates Orga give the details but, in brief, the four featured composers are all connected: Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) was admired by J S Bach (1685-1750) who, in turn, was revered by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) and all were appreciated by Julius Reubke (1834-1858). The organ is housed in one of the most spectacular cases in the world and the instrument's renowned clarity of tone makes it perfectly suited to Reubke's Sonata as well as the other works: Bach's "Chaconne, from Parita No. 2" (BWV 1004), here in an arrangement by Henri Messerer (1838-1923), Buxtehhude's "Toccata & Fugue in F Major" (BuxWV 157), then back to Bach for his "Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland" (BWV 659) and "Trio Jesus Christus Unser Heiland" (BWV 688), followed by Mendelssohn's "Sonata in D Minor" (Op. 65 No. 6). These five pieces from three great composers would make for a satisfying 40-minute collection but the climax comes with Reubke's 25-minute epic "Sonata On The 94th Psalm". The opening verses of the Psalm set the tone: "O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself / Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud" (King James Version). It is a powerful Psalm and Reubke's music does it full justice. Reubke, Liszt's favourite pupil, died at just twenty-four and while he sits comfortably in the line of great German composers that takes us from Buxtehude to Reger had he lived longer he may have found himself sharing the same pedestal as the immortal Bach. That is as may be but his Sonata is worth the price of admission on its own and organ spotters will appreciate the excellence of the recording, produced by Tim Oldham, and the playing by Joseph Nolan.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.