Roger Hecht writes:

>>I'm interested in reading opinions of Werner Jacob's recordings of
>>Bach organ works--as a set, not in terms of individual performances.

Don Satz wrote:

>I find the set largely a 'hit or miss' affair.  Often, Jacob is
>rather stodgy with his slow tempos and rounded contours.  But sometimes
>he displays enhanced vitality and delivers absolutely transcendent
>interpretations.  Overall, his playing has a 'sweet' quality to it that
>will appeal to some more than others.
>
>I think the set sells for a little over $100 for the 16 discs.  That's
>a big price tag, although it comes out to less than $10 per disc.  The
>Lionel Rogg set on Harmonia Mundi, less complete than the Jacob, only
>costs about $50 and is much more rewarding to me.  Unfortunately, the
>Rogg doesn't seem to be in print currently - I'm confident it will
>re-emerge soon.  My next favorite set would be the Herrick on Hyperion
>that costs almost $200 - a price one could gag on.

I tend to agree with our findings about the Jacob set, though I can
understand why Carrow McCarn likes them so much.  It is quite lyrical
and legato, but I do find it too rounded, and, at times stodgy.  I also
agree there are some very good performances here.

I heard the Rogg many years ago and found it rather dry, but this was a
very long time ago.  I also don't know if it was the first of two sets
or if the HM is a reissue.  Never checked this out.

The Herrick I didn't not care for in a brief sampling.

I have always liked Michel Chapuis's energy and color, but some of
the sets (on LP) lacked bass.  I find this a problem mainly in the big
works--not a good thing, obviously.  Recently, I'm warming up to the
Helmut Walcha.  I once thought it dull, but am now drawn to his structural
integrity and the sound of the organs he uses.  For recorded sound and
good performances, I like Peter Hurford a lot. The only other sets I
know are is Claire Alain and Wolfgang Rubsam (Naxos).  From brief
samplying, I don't like either very much.

Roger Hecht