Johann Gottfried Walther (1684-1748) was a distant relative of Bach and one of the members of Bach's musical circle. Like Bach, Walther composed organ transcriptions of baroque concertos and original works for solo organ; he wrote over 200 movements of organ chorales. For its 'Organ Encyclopedia' series, Naxos released two volumes of Walther organ works - 8.554316 & 4317. The performer on both volumes is Craig Cramer who has been on the faculty of the University of Notre Dame, Indiana since 1981. Mr. Cramer has degrees from Westminster Choir College and the Eastman School of Music. He has given organ recitals throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Cramer has also performed the complete organ works of Bach in the state of Indiana covering eighteen different recitals. Between the two volumes, Cramer provides 13 transcriptions of baroque concertos and 10 chorales and partitas. For the transcriptions, the original composers range in reputation from Vivaldi, Telemann, and Torelli to obscure composers such as Manzia and Gregori. Given the many transcriptions in the two volumes, comparison with Bach transcriptions is not out of place. As might be expected, Walther's transcriptions do not compare well with Bach's. They are exuberant and well crafted but remind me strongly of the usual baroque fare one finds on the radio. The transcription of a Telemann concerto in C minor is the most enjoyable one, and I largely attribute that to Telemann. Concerning Walther's original organ works on the two volumes, there are two of them which stand out from the rest: In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr LV 97, and Lobe den Herren, den machtigen Konig der Ehren, LV 101. The former is a lovely and poignant chorale, the latter a rousing and ceremonial tribute. The remaining chorales are less inspiring. The longest original work on the two recordings is the Partita 'Jesu meine Freude' LV 2 which clocks in at over thirteen minutes. Essentially a basic theme with many short variations applied, the work is unfortunately a good example of Walther's shortcomings. Most of the variations reveal little difference among them or from the basic theme with the greatest differences being based on the diversity provided by the organ, not the music. The performances of Craig Cramer are certainly acceptable, but I kept thinking as I listened to the outer movements of the transcriptions that Cramer could have been more exuberant and exciting. The outer movements have little to savor and would benefit from a higher energy level. Don's Conclusions: The Walther discs are primarily for light entertainment. If you intend to purchase, I suggest starting with Volume I which has the two excellent chorales I mention above as well as the Telemann transcription. Overall, I feel that Walther is a low priority for baroque and organ enthusiasts. Don Satz [log in to unmask]