This ambitious undertaking–Volume 1 in a series devoted to the complete organ works of Buxtehude–presents a well-chosen variety of pieces, 18 in all, that includes big, demonstrative works such as the two Praeludia in G minor and the C minor Ciacona along with a half-dozen or so short chorale preludes. Danish organist Bine Bryndorf demonstrates an impressive command and control of the “famous Buxtehude organ” in Elsinore, Denmark, favoring heavier, rich-textured registrations to lighter, brighter, or more delicate options. In fact, the entire beginning of this recital–the first seven tracks–seems overly weighty, the lower registers just a bit on the muddy side, wanting for just a bit more interior clarity and more justly balanced color choices between melodic and accompanying material.
However, beginning with the C minor Ciacona, things brighten and take on a livelier, ear-enchanting tone, and by the time we reach the great G minor Praeludium BuxWV 148 three tracks later, we’re increasingly impressed with this instrument’s (and player’s) range and expressive potential. The organ’s unequal temperament and A=435 pitch also lends an indefinable yet ingratiating quality to the sound, which is faithfully captured by Dacapo’s engineers. Bryndorf takes well-reasoned tempos and maintains a conservative approach to dynamics–no extremes here–while always offering interesting (if not uniformly satisfying to my ears) stop-selection for the chorale-melody solo lines. In all, this is a fine effort that promises many rewarding hours for Buxtehude fans as this series progresses.
