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 - 2cd 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.

Don Satz
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