Johann Sebastian Bach(1685-1750)
          Works for Organ

Toccata & Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
Praeludium & Fugue in E flat major, BWV 552
Fantasie & Fugue in A minor, BWV 561
Praeludium & Fugue in G minor, BWV 542
Chorale Settings BWV 622, 683, 727, 703 & 614
Fugue in G minor, BWV 578

Classical Evolution 9374 *or* Laserlight 15507
Hannes Kastner, Organ(BWV 565 Only)
Gabor Lehotka, Organ
TT 60:48

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.

Don Satz
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