Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Michel Chapuis :: Bach: The Organ Works (Complete) - Michel Chapuis

Still the best

Joel Warren Lidz, Ph.D. | Boston, Mass. USA | 11/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I studied pipe organ for many years at Penn State, Harvard and elsewhere. In my estimation (and that of many others, judging from internet newsgroups) Chapuis' recording remains a first choice. Though recorded in 1968, the sound is superb,as are the instruments. The playing is very spontaneous, revealing a love of playing. There seems to be minimal editing. It's great that the set has been reissued, though it does not include the more recently discovered works..."

Words cannot express

jumpy1 | New York, NY | 01/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At Michel Chapuis, you crazy man. You have to see a picture of this guy - [...] - Anyway, herein lies a sensitive, masterful approach to the works without histrionics. More intellectual than Piet Kee but yet a pervading loveliness, if admittedly a bit cold in some of the slower passages. Chapuis transcends simply melodic passion, communicating clearly the wealth of polyphonic wisdom to us mere idiots without losing his humaneness. The reviewer who wanted the "thundrous pedal notes" to vibrate in his sound system probably didn't realize these recordings are made on really incredibly light and clear baroque organs, not the thicker-sounding, clumsier ones most people are used to. Not that I'm an expert by any means but this is the only set of Bach organ works I've found where the playing never sounds muddled. One can follow all of the lines without needing to refer to the music. If you're looking to be awed by organ theatrics a la Hollywood zombie movies, this isn't the recording for you. But if you really want to hear Bach's ideas and enjoy complex voice leading, this may be the best out there. Also, I have listened to this entire set and feel he does not race at all - even though he does get a bit excited in the fast parts, and does speed up SLIGHTLY, i think it works - the playing is always tremendously clear even then - in a jazz sense, and he is human after all, even if his brilliance might imply otherwise. It gives the excitement of a live performance, rather than the perfect things we're getting used to on recordings. It could be a matter of taste, to be sure. But it is also true that different people track sounds and images at different speeds so perhaps the reviewer below is not able to follow at the same speed as the maestro."

Perhaps the best Bach organ interpretations overall

Warren P. Reier | Berkeley, CA USA | 09/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I find Chapuis' interpretations very convincing, and never "rushed" (cf. ethan b's review below). The Canonic Variations are unsurpassed, so different from the usual lethargic, disengaged or pedantic treatment. His playing is astonishing--exciting, meditative, brilliant or serene, but always appropriate, always thoughtful and inspired. The engineering is another matter, but don't let it deter you unless you are an audiophile first and a music-lover second."