Donald Satz wrote (January 9, 2000):
In my short review of the Channel Classics concept recording of the Great Organ Mass, I had recommended that those not familar with these works first listen to the entire Mass. As it happens, I was browsing through one of my CD storage drawers last night and came across a fairly recent recording of the complete Mass on Hanssler performed by Kay Johannsen - 2-CD set - catalog no. 92.101.

I immediately starting listening, as I was interested in comparing the quality of the two organ interpretations. Uniformly, Johannsen displays a greater sense of meaningful drama, joy, or any other emotion you might think of while listening to the work. Concerning recorded sound, I suppose many would opt for the lush sound of the Channel Classics set; it is outstanding. However, the more basic sound on the Hanssler release has the advantage of fully detailing the part playing, and Johannsen is superb in this area. In fact, he's a great Bach interpreter all around.

Johannsen also plays the Four Duets on organ. The organ interpretation gives these pieces a greater mystery than the harpsichord or piano and are as idiomatic as I could want.

I haven't changed my opinion of the Channel Classics release. But I do prefer the Organ Mass complete, and with playing at the level of Johannsen's, the Hanssler release is a mandatory acquisition. Go buy it. The opening Praeludium will have you in its grasp from its initial theme and you'll be rushing to put on the second disc.

Great Organ Mass BWV 669-689: Great Organ Mass - Doeselaar | Great Organ Mass - Johannssen | Clavier-Ubung III - Suzuki

Complete Bach's Organ Works on Hänssler: Recordings
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