Dietrich Buxtehude (C. 1637-1707)
   Complete Organ Works, Volume 2

Praeludium in A minor, BuxWV 152 [3:58]
Ach Herr, mich armen Sunder, BuxWV 178 [3:22]
Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BuxWV 180 [3:20]
Praeludium in A minor, BuxWV 153 [6:09]
Mensch wiltu leben seliglich, BuxWV 206 [2:17]
Von Gott will ich nicht lassen, BuxWV 221 [1:50]
Von Gott will ich nicht lassen, BuxWV 220 [2:00]
Praeludium in C major, BuxWV 136 [5:33]
War Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit, BuxWV 222 [2:55]
Wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BuxWV 224 [1:26]
Praeludium in A major, BuxWV 151 [4:59]
Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren, BuxWV 214 [2:48]
Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren, BuxWV 215 [2:11]
Praeludium in E minor, BuxWV 142 [8:13]

Bine Bryndorf, organ
Recorded on Buxtehude Organ at St. Mary's Church,
Elsinore, Denmark, February 2003
Released July 2004
Dacapo 8.226002 [51:04]

Comparisons - Rubsam/Naxos, Saorgin/Harmonia Mundi, Vogel/MD&G

About a half-year after Volume 1, Bine Bryndorf continues her traversal
of the Buxtehude organ works with her second volume.  To recap from my
review of Volume 1, I recommended the disc for its majestic, exuberant
and incisive performances while cautioning that Bryndorf celebrates
instead of bowing to God in the Buxtehude chorales.  The result of this
approach is exceptional performances of the Praeludium works which are
Buxtehude's homage to the Stylus Phantasticus and his most rewarding
organ works.  Concerning the chorales, some listeners might take exception
to Bryndorf's low degree of supplication.

My comments in Volume 1 apply to the 2nd volume as well.  However, the
programming for Volume 2 differs in that we are given five Praeludium
works as opposed to the three in Volume 1.  This plays to Bryndorf's
advantage given that she revels in the more heroic and powerful utterances
of the composer.

Here are a few of the disc's highlights:

"Ach Herr, Mich Armen Sunder", BuxWV 178 - Bryndorf takes a little over
3 minutes to cover this piece, while both Rene Saorgin and Wolfgang
Rubsam extend the work to over 4 minutes.  Bryndorf imparts a rhythmic
vitality and confidence not found in the slower versions, and I now
consider the Bryndorf interpretation the best on record.

"Christ unser Herr Zum Jordan Kam", Bux WV 180 - One of Buxtehude's most
uplifting chorale settings, Bryndorf uses a strongly projected and heroic
approach that soars; the registrations fit the piece perfectly.

Praeludium in A minor, BuxWV 153 - This work consists of a severe and
twisting prelude in free style followed by two fugues.  The fugues have
the same melody, but the second fugue is in triple time with the addition
of a chromatic note that enhances the work's variety and severity.
Bryndorf is most impressive in conveying Buxtehude's twisting rhythms,
giving them an intensity not often found in other recorded versions.

Praeludium in E minor, BuxWV 142 - The E minor is one of Buxtehude's
most compelling works for organ.  Having two preludes and three fugues,
it is a role-model of the variety that Buxtehude injected into the
Praeludium.  The first fugue has ample severity and chromaticism, and
the second fugue increases these qualities to the point where the
descending chromatic lines convey a personality of 'pure evil'.  Then
we have a short prelude leading to a gigue-like third fugue that is
fueled by octave leaps.

Sound quality is exceptional with a deep bass, fine resonance and crisp
tone.  As mentioned in my review of Volume 1, Bryndorf plays the Buxtehude
organ in Elsinore at St. Mary's Church.  This organ was often played
by Buxtehude himself and is a gorgeous sounding instrument of abundant
power.  Finally, I should note that I have taken the liberty in the
heading of identifying BuxWV 152 as being in the key of A minor; the
track listings on the cover and in the booklet incorrectly cite the key
as E minor.

Although Buxtehude's organ music is masterful and an important foundation
for Bach's organ works, finding recordings in music stores is not an
easy matter.  However, internet sales sites display a fine assortment
of full sets and single discs.  My favored set for many years has been
the Saorgin on Harmonia Mundi, but it doesn't appear to currently be in
print.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this 2nd volume from Bine Bryndorf.
The playing is outstanding, and the use of the Buxtehude organ at Elsinore
adds to the authenticity of Bryndorf's performances.  I look forward to
Volume 3 and hope that it is soon forthcoming.

Don Satz
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