Here's something a little different but quite special all the same. There are not many recordings of these rather reflective preludes for organ by Brahms. And surprisingly, I did not expect such sensitivity and insight from Virgil Fox who is best known for the rather crass "heavy"organ recordings from the 60's and 70's. What makes collecting classics so rewarding is the surprises along the way and this is one of them.
The Preludes for Organ by Brahms are among the master's last works. They owe their inspiration to Bach as Brahms sought to complete his musical journey with a "tribute" to teh composer that offered him guidance throughout his life and especially during his final months. Like Brahms' choral Motets, these Preludes are, I think, the best example of Brahms' inner piety and spiritual outlook. Though Brahms outwardly was for the most part indifferent towards organized religion, these musical gems point to a man who held deep convictions expressed in a highly personal way. This is a Brahms that is far and apart from the one of the symphonies, concertos and larger choral offerings. Here is the direct, unbroken line to Mendelssohn, Bach, Buxtehude, Schutz, and Scheidt.
Virgil Fox plays splendidly and the Hammond Castle organ in Gloucester Massachusetts proves the right vehicle for this tour of meditation and reflection. These recordings date from 1953.
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