It’s not likely that many performances of sacred organ music have been described as “fun” and “seriously entertaining”, but that’s exactly what these improvisations by Kay Johannsen are–enhanced by the soloist’s sincere care and respect for the original material, applied with the highest standard of technical expertise and artistic integrity. The 25 selections come from the repertoire of German Advent and Christmas songs and hymns, although English-speaking listeners will immediately recognize most of these pieces as staples of their own Christmas music traditions. (Unfortunately, the titles of the tunes and the liner notes are only in German.)
You quickly discern that Johannsen is a master of style and presentation, delivering each of these short pieces with uncommon flair and ingenuity, from the fiery, flashy toccata-like setting of “O Heiland, reiß die Himmel auf” to the Siciliana mood of “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht”. Along the way we hear nods to Vierne, Messiaen, and Karg-Elert, and there’s even a wild–and totally cool–jazz-influenced improvisation on “Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ”. Impressionistic ideas inform some realizations, and more traditional 19th-century ideas define others. But together this makes for one of the more outstanding–and entertaining–organ recitals you’ll ever hear.
Johannsen is in complete control, and he plays with authority, wit, and occasional humor, all the while presenting the music and his fabulous instrument–the new Mühleisen organ of the Stiftskirche, Stuttgart–in the most agreeable light. The sound is exemplary. The liner notes include beautiful color pictures of the church and organ, along with a full account of the organ’s disposition and registration for each musical work. If you’re a fan of Christmas music, you shouldn’t miss this–even if you don’t usually listen to organ recitals. [11/6/2006]
