Heinrich Scheidemann (ca. 1595-1663)
    Organ Works

Gwendolyn Toth, organ
Jessica Tranzillo, chant
Zefiro Recordings ZR102 [78:29]

Composer: The leading figure of the North German Organ Movement of the
early 17th century.

Type of Music: Wonderful blend of severity and sweetness ranging from
the sublime to the majestic.

Organ: Meantone Organ built by Theodorus Faber in 1645-51, having 2
manuals and 19 stops.  Although small, it delivers all the majesty of
Scheidemann's creations.

Meantone: A mathematically derived temperament that enhances severity
*and* sweetness.  Many websites provide a full and complicated explanation
of this tuning system.

Toth Performances: Splendid except that the registrations could be more
varied, and the 'echo' effects are not compelling due to the echos being
played at the same volume as the primary lines.

Special Features: Bird-song stop used in one of the 14 programmed works,
applicable chant used in three works.

Jessica Tranzillo: Gorgeous soprano voice perfect for the context.

Sound Quality: Exceptional level of resonance.

Conclusion: Highly desireable disc.  Other fine recordings include the
Johnson siblings on Calcante and four volumes on Naxos - Volume 2 played
by Karin Nelson is the best single disc I've heard of Scheidemann's organ
music.

Don Satz
[log in to unmask]