Bruhns died when he was 31 years old, just like Grigny. With Lübeck and Buxtehude, Nicolaus Bruhns embodies with his sparkling spirit the « stylus fantasticus » described by Mattheson in 1739. This theatrical baroque, filled with « extraordinary passages, hidden ornaments, clever forms and periphrases »... is wonderfully written by this young musician who, they said, played violin and accompanying himself on the pedal-board of the organ.
Hanff taught the keyboard to Mattheson. His chorales, which use the « cantus firmus » as an upper voice, at the same time written in an imitative technique, belong to the best productions of the genre and remind the listener of Bach's Orgelbüchlein.
With Norden, « we can feel the pleasure of hearing one of the most beautiful baroque organ in the world, built by Arp Schnitzger and magnificently restored by Jürgen Ahrend.
Unbelievable tones, completely in harmony with the fantasticworld of Bruhns.
As regards Bernard Coudurier, he appears to be the worthy heir of this wonderful Northern German organ school. It would be vain to detail all the parameters of his manner of playing, as they complement one another to end up in a dazzling performance. Clearness of the structuring, fluidity of the rythm, a diabolical precision of the touch, an overactive imagination in the organ stops.
A fundamental record for every amateur of baroque music.
Francis Albou « Repertoire »
« Hanff was a master of the fixed-form poem and of the precious comment. Coudurier has understood it better than anyone else. A record to keep in mind. »
Guide de la musique ancienne et baroque/ Guide of baroque and ancient music
Diapason d'or. Golden diapason
Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein
Praeludium in G
Nicolaus BRUHNS – Johann Nicolaus HANFF l’œuvre d’Orgue
Orgue Arp Schnitger / Ahrend de Norden (Ostfriesland)
BNL 112753 DDD
Sortie du nouveau CD : Florilegium, Danses baroques, Muffat - Fischer - Kusser, 4 mains
Bernard COUDURIER