Uncommon Bach  (DTS CD)

 

Sound: A-     Extras: C+     Music: B+

 

 

Of all the classical composers Johann Sebastian Bach is certainly one of the most celebrated and well known.  However, there have been several interpretations of his work as well as multiple versions of the same piece that have been revealed over the course of time.  The question posed by this though is which are more accurate or better yet…authentic?  Certainly everyone can have his or her own interpretation of a piece, but the original must be in tact for this to be fully realized.  It is harder yet tracking down authentic pieces that have survived simply because Bach had arranged and created so many works over his lifetime that most of it has been lost.  Bach spent a large portion of his career writing for churches within the area. Competing church groups commissioned him and often time he spent bouncing back and forth to earn his keep. 

 

DTS Entertainment has challenged us with a selection entitled The Uncommon Bach, which contains variants, rarities, and transcriptions.  This disc contains the work of organists Joan Lippincott and George Ritchie and has been recorded in conjunction with the American Bach Society.  The actual recordings took place in July 1997 at St. Alphonosus Church in Seattle Washington by PGM Recordings. 

 

Even for those most familiar with the work of Bach, the renditions performed here alter the work somewhat and bring the listener into a creative workshop of the work of a master, especially as it is performed on an organ.  Although one question brought forth by this is whether or not certain compositions that have survived were even intended for the organ. 

 

 

 

George Ritchie Selection

 

Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 535a

Trio Sonata in G Major, BWV 1027a

Toccata in D Major, BWV 912

An Wasserflussen Babylon, BWV 653b

 

Joan Lippincott Selection

 

Prelude, Largo and Fugue in C Major, BWV 545

Von Himmel hoch, da komm’ ich her, BWV anh. 64

Fantasia sopra Wir Glauben all’an einen Gott, Vater, BWV 740

Fugue in D Major, BWV 532a

Concerto in A Minor for Four Harpsichordists (Vivaldi-Bach), BWV 1065

 

 

Perhaps the first place to start in terms of this disc is what the intent was and whether or not that intent was accomplished with this recording.  It is fair to say that no matter what style of music; everyone wants the finest recording possible.  When it comes to classical music though, it is more a matter of a accurate interpretation that enables the listener to experience a fair account of a certain piece with the best recording possible in order to transcend that listener to another time, or place.  With the newer technologies and multi-channel capabilities it would only seem that we are finally on the verge of a breakthrough.  Formats such as DVD-Audio and SACD are now allowing multi-channel playback as well as fuller, higher bit rate transfers that enable the finest playback possible.  Even older recordings of music, when transferred correctly can break those previous limitations that vinyl, 8-track, cassette, and even CD had. 

 

The biggest benefit though of classical music, and especially organ work, is the use of all the channels (i.e. Multi-Channel) in order to reproduce the full range that the organ occupies.  The organ is such a unique instrument being able to cover the widest range with the biggest drawback being its inability to travel once it is set in a location.  In this case, The Fritts-Richards Organ in St. Alphonsus Parish Church, Seattle Washington, is evidently well kept and maintained to achieve the level of excellence within this recording.  The pipes seem broken in quite well and the acoustic atmosphere of the building is appropriately spacious.  Inside the liner notes for this disc is the layout of the organ and its configurations.

 

As with DTS Entertainments other music discs, this CD is encoded with a discrete 5.1 channel DTS 20-bit/48kHz/1,506 kilobits-per-second surround mix that is taken directly from the master tape with a 24-bit transfer.  What is especially pleasing in this case is the excellent use of each channel, including the LFE subwoofer channel to create a full encompassing feel similar to what one would get sitting within that particular church.  However, the results here are more direct with all the music focused on the middle of a room rather than filling an entire worship area. 

 

Although at times much of this material seems repetitive the selections by Lippincott are a tad more elaborate and interesting.  While it is fair to say that both organists are skilled, its more a matter of the content that makes for mere entertainment.  Some will certainly enjoy the new takes on certain classic pieces, while being refreshed by some of the newer material or at least newer interpretations.  At least we can all enjoy the way that this disc handles the music and provides such clarity and fullness that was lacking in previous recordings.  My only advice is to Bach enthusiasts is to make The Uncommon Bach a common part of your collection!

 

 

-   Nate Goss