J.S. Bach - 8 kleine Präludien & Fugen (BWV 553-560) on 8 Organs - Hauptwerk

[@judithwhitehouse2149]

This is where many of us began our Bach journey as organists - and we never forget them (even if they are actually by someone else...!)

[@RalphLooij]

True!

[@rsns311257]

Many organists underplay and under register these pieces. You didn't, and I think you are quite right. Very pleasing.

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Rodrigo!

[@SecretsofOrganPlaying]

It’s such a lovely cycle of preludes and fugues! Every KZbin organist should play it at least once!

[@RalphLooij]

I agree! It's always fun to play!

[@nakorganist]

The 8 small preludes and fugues are very beautiful. Thank you for playing them here for us in context. Best regards, Roland

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Roland!

[@thomaslai5303]

Bring me back to memories but with exciting articulation! Thank you Ralph

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Thomas! Indeed, nostalgia all over ;)

[@marklindseykirkmanorganist5681]

I can't begin to express what a joyful 28 minutes and 28 seconds this is!! I love the natural way that you play these, such musical rhythms!! These bring back very fond memories of early organ lessons. Thanks for playing these, Ralph!!

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Mark!

[@marcelobrunorodrigues7630]

I analyzed these 8 Little Preludes and Fugues on many aspects. One small detail about the fugue in G major is its subject seems to be as gigue-like one in simple time signature, very curious indeed.

[@RalphLooij]

Indeed, thanks for listening Marcelo.

[@ClaraOrgan]

Wow! It's good to study because you uploaded 8 works together. Especially, no. 17:48 The 6 (gminor) registration (only flute 8) is really impressive~ Thank you! Ralph 😀😀😀

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Clara!

[@philippelegargean5120]

Bravo and what a pretty walk from one organ to another!

[@RalphLooij]

Merci, Philippe!

[@organvlnBach2Bach]

Lovely, thank you so much!

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks!

[@MarkusDrejaOrganist]

You're a extremely talented organist Ralph. Together with Leons recording the best 8 preludes on KZbin. Awesome!!

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks for your kind words, Markus! Yes, Leon delivered a very nice integrale on the Friesach set.

[@MarcusReeves]

This is trip down memory lane for me. I used to love playing these in my early days of organ lessons and I still have my Novello score. Your interpretation makes them sound grown-up and sophisticated - a useful reminder of what excellent pieces they are. I might have to out them out again!

[@RalphLooij]

Yes, indeed, Marcus, pure nostalgia. Although I wonder why we all only refer it to our early days of organ lessons, since these are full grown pieces, which need some serious considerations concerning tempi, technique etcetera. Bach or Krebs certainly wrote simpler pieces then these.

[@james.flores]

Excellent. I loved it all.

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, James!

[@peternaryd_operasinger]

Absolutely wonderful Ralph!👏👏👏👏

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Peter.

[@peternaryd_operasinger]

You're so welcome!

[@KravchenkoAudioPerth]

I enjoyed this Ralph. Mark

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Mark!

[@andrewloose3419]

A most helpful set of recordings. Thank you.

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks for listening, Andrew!

[@RienSchalkwijk]

Fantastic. You are a herontdekt play and record them all!

[@SecretsofOrganPlaying]

I really hope you will play them all too❤️

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Rien!

[@RalphLooij]

@@SecretsofOrganPlaying Indeed, he should. Of course no. 6 is the best to start with (depending on the tempo...)

[@davidknizek2852]

Underrated!

[@RalphLooij]

I totally agree!

[@paulswindenmusic]

A very fine set, Ralph! Like Marcus Reeves, I remember learning these as a young organist starting out. Your playing sparkles throughout and these pieces assume a real grandeur and elegance - inspiring stuff, indeed!

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Paul. The 8 sets are all fine.

[@DrLuke-ci8bo]

Really nice. I always enjoy listening to your playing -- I really like the sound of Metzler/Düren . . . ♫

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks!

[@jerrymartin79]

Such a fantastic presentation - thank you Ralph! Your interpretation is always spot-on and I loved the tour of organs on which you took us. Bravo!

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Jerry.

[@christopherglenn3240]

This hit the spot! It was the next best thing to hearing you play a recital live on one of your magnificent Dutch organs! Thank you for posting this wonderful collection. I am very much in awe of your sensitivity toward articulation and your graceful ornamentation. This is a splendid collection and will be enjoyed many times over. Thank you, Ralph!

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks for your kind words, Christopher! It's was very nice to play all these pieces (divided over some days) on different sets, it shows the quality of these pieces. I'm glad that you liked it!

[@graaggedaniel]

Lovely registrations and interpretations! really helpful when studying the pieces!

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks for your appreciation!

[@ClaraOrgan]

감사합니다.

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks very much, Clara!

[@emile.secheret]

Bravo !

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks!

[@MarekMichalakMusic]

Great performances, Ralph! You chose very fitting registrations with your usual good ear for that level of detail 🙂

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, Marek!

[@christianschwarz1574]

Finally! One of the first interpretations on KZbin and ever to breathe the spirit of these musicianly compositions. Actually, it doesn't matter who wrote them. These pieces are for all walks of life. Thank you very much.

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks!

[@adriandegroot2264]

According to Harald Vogel, they were composed by JS Bach for the pedal clavichord. Listne here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5jTYnqmltCFoqs

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks for the link, Adri! Of course I wouldn't dare to argue with Harald Vogel, but I think father and son Krebs have a lot to do with these pieces. Well, we'll never know for sure. I even read some musicologists thought of J.K.F. Fischer.

[@marcelobrunorodrigues7630]

Hello, friends! Another word from my part about these pieces: MUSICAL MINIATURES AND WONDERS OF RARE BEAUTY.

[@mrlucasa223]

Wonderful playing! I might have to steal your registration for the g minor though 😉

[@RalphLooij]

Thanks, steal away;)

[@exosmusic]

Hm... rejestracja nie z mojej bajki, ale wykonanie perfect!

[@RalphLooij]

These pieces are indeed open to many different registrations.

[@exosmusic]

@@RalphLooij That is why I am not saying it is a mistake.... But I am a minimalist. Flute 8 + Octav 2 and Subbass in pedal (+ coppel). AND it draws out the delicate beauty of this prelude. You play it with real feeling, even though it's a "practice". Respect!

[@RalphLooij]

@@exosmusic well, you're certainly not bothered by authenticism with flute 8+oct 2 coupling to the pedal... ;) But that gives a nice accent on the pedal part.

[@Nikeairxxx]

In Praeludium 6 duidelijke invloed van Johann Pachelbel.

[@RalphLooij]

Inderdaad, een aantal van z'n fantasia's lijken er verdacht veel op.

[@zachuram]

You are wrong in asserting these pieces weren't written by Bach!!!

[@RalphLooij]

Tell that to all the scientists who say different, unfortunately I don't have their numbers for you ;)