GEORG DIETRICH LEYDING: Complete Organ Works – 7) Praeludium in C, 8) Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern, 9) Praeludium in B, 10) Von Gott will ich nicht lassen, 11) Praeludium in Es
Christian-Vater-Organ, St.-Petri-Kirche, Melle/ Friedhelm Flamme – CPO Multichannel SACD 777 123-2, 66’31 ****:
Bruhns and Leyding were students of Deitrich Buxtehude, great exponent of the North German Baroque Organ School. They are said to have influenced J. S. Bach. The brief but complete organ works of each are presented in this authorative recording by Friedhelm Flamme performing on the Christian-Vater-Organ (1724) at St.-Petri-Kirche, Melle (Germany). The CPO SACD surround sound recording recreates both the clarity and spatial and dynamic characteristics of this well-known Baroque organ.
The Bruhns and Leyding complete organ works ably represent the brilliance of the North German Baroque. The technical mastery of counterpoint and pedal parts, and the use of fugal techniques are noteworthy. This disc is a reminder of the historical significance of the North German Baroque Organ School. For devotees of the organ, here are two important but less familiar composers to discover and savor. Recommended.
— Ronald Legum
