Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

On this, internationally acclaimed organist Stephen Farr offer his first JS Bach recording and as buffs will know, "Clavier-Ubing III" is among the revered composer's most stunning works, showing Bach at the height of his powers. It is an exciting listen and Farr copes admirably with all the challenges that Bach throws at him. As an enjoyable recital it is an easy recommendation but there are other points that also merit our attention. The Metzler organ of Trinity College, Cambridge dates from 1975 but contains pipework retained from earlier instruments installed by Father Smith in1694 and 1708. Organ-buffs will appreciate the technical information and pictures supplied in the (free) PDF of the recital notes. "Clavier-Übung III" is performed here in its entirety, complete with the four "Duetti". Much of the content is based on chorales and when we listen with the texts open before us - supplied in the accompanying PDF - this becomes a spiritual experience in addition to being a musical one. "Clavier-Übung III" contains some most poignant and beautiful music that Bach composed. At various points virtuosic and also deceptively simple it also provides a masterclass in counterpoint for the organ. Resonus Classics is a solely digital label and thus you can chose whether you want the entire 105-minutes or merely sample extracts. Also you have a choice of digital formats from MP3 to studio quality hi-fi and if you are reading this review on-line we are confident that you can access this excellent release for yourself.

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