Johann Sebastian Bach(1685-1750)
    Partitas for Clavier, Volume 1

Partitas BWV 825-827
Arion 68503
Erik Feller, Organ
Recorded 1999
TT 53:13

Although Bach did not intend his clavier works to be performed on an
instrument as large as the organ, there have been plenty of organists who
have given it their best shot.  French organists are particularly fond of
entering this repertoire, and that may be a problem of sorts.  The French
organ can be a trial in Bach's organ music, never mind Bach music for the
smaller harpsichord and clavichord.  French organs tend to have a gradiose
design of life and can drown out the essence of Bach's music.  My listening
experiences tell me that the organist needs to be ever so careful about
the registrations used to insure that the results do not sound like a
Bach/Franck collaboration.

Erik Feller, born and raised in France, performs on the Organ of Chapelle
de L'Hopital Laennec in Paris.  Listed on the cd cover as Volume 1, the
disc covers the first three keyboard Partitas: BWV 825, 826, and 827.  With
less than 60 minutes of music on the disc, another Partita could have been
included; however, that would have left only two Partitas for Volume 2(if
there is, will ever be, or should ever be a Volume 2).

The most interesting feature of this Arion disc is the cover art.  It
depicts a host of ghoulish creatures all connected to one another with
each individual figure having unique physical properties, and I find it
fascinating to examine each of the little fellas and the myriad of
connections.

The music-making isn't bad at all.  Yes, the French Organ is miles away
from Bach's soundworld, and Feller tends to be a little boring in that
he doesn't care to vary tempo or loudness.  On the plus side, he does
like to vary registrations and octaves in the repeats, and he often
changes registrations from first to second sections.  Further, some of
his registrations, although a bit outrageous, are quite appealing and
well in line with the cover art.

The fast movements are Feller's best moments, and there are many of them;
it shows in his registrations and momentum.  Slower movements are enjoyable,
but Feller does not dig as deeply as the best Bach keyboard artists.  I
can't say that any movements are memorable except for the Allemande of BWV
826 where Feller has great command of the music's lines with an exceptional
drive and determination.

Don's Conclusions: It is impossible to project how the Feller performances
will wear over time; there is novelty and surprise which generally tend
to fade with repeated listenings.  Although possessing some admirable
traits, Feller clearly isn't in the top rank of Bach performing artists.
With these views in mind, I'd suggest sampling before buying.  If you don't
think well of Bach's keyboard works on organ, or particularly on a French
organ, there is nothing that Feller offers that might change your mind.
As I said earlier, the cover art is the star of the show.  I am attracted
to the disc, but I don't see myself listening to it soon or often.

Don Satz
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