Donald Satz wrote (September 20, 2001):

About 2 years ago, a record chain store (Wherehouse Music) started stocking a label called "Classical Evolution" with prices at the level of Naxos offerings. These discs are culled from Delta Entertainment which distributes Capriccio and Laserlight CD's. I noticed that as the inventory of Classical Evolution discs increased, the number of Naxos cd's in the store was decreasing. That didn't sit well with me, so I boycotted the Classical Evolution discs. However, the store is now stocking Naxos again, so I looked through the Classical Evolution inventory and noticed a disc of Bach organ works.

Classical Evolution has a color code system to differentiate orchestral music from vocal from chamber, etc. For some reason unknown to me, the Bach organ disc is in the chamber category and has a green cover to match. Also, this CD corresponds exactly to the program and performers on Laserlight 15507. I assume that Classical Evolution discs are intended for the new or potential classical music enthusiast; they are not intended for the color-blind.

Hannes Kastner performs BWV 565 which is the first track on the recording; Gabor Lehotka does the honors with the remaining works. Overall, this is a very attractive program with excellent performances from both Kastner and Lehotka. Kastner's BWV 565 is a powerful reading which stands tall amongst the competition. When Lehotka takes over, the soundstage changes significantly as the organ used is quite woody and sweet compared to Kastner's instrument. I like both organs very much and find the Lehotka organ particularly distinctive and enjoyable. I didn't have any major expectations from this recording; that makes the great performances all the more rewarding.

Don's Conclusions: An excellent disc for the new or seasoned Bach organ collector. If interested, I suggest buying the Laserlight issue since it costs even less than the Classical Evolution disc. The Laserlight disc is available from CDNOW, and I assume it's easy to obtain from other sources as well. The recording is the 'real deal' and much better than many other Bach organ discs retailing at premium price. Treat yourself to some great music and performances which will still leave you with sufficient money for a nice lunch with some pie for dessert. You will have to come up with additional funds to attend the movie matinee.