Reviewed by Dave Massey

This collection of works is performed on the majestic Arp Schnitiger organ in the Lutgerikirche, Germany and represents a part of the prolific output of this composer - acknowledged as a genius by his contemporary, Bach and later by Brahms. His fame rests mainly on his organ works which positively sparkle with baroque flamboyance and assured counterpoint - a device in which melodies are taken and offset against one another, turned round and inverted (!) whilst still retaining tuneful integrity... For me, Buxtehude manages to do all this without becoming quite as mechanical as Bach, as the beautiful piece, "Christ Unser Her Zum Jordan Kam" bears eloquent witness. Hanssen's playing is both accurate and sensitive - a quality often smothered by the power of the instrument, and his voicing lend an orchestral feel to the works which make this recording an easy listen and I think will prove it to be a popular one too.

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.

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