Some Thoughts on Playing the Organ by Willem Tanke: J.S. Bach - Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ BWV 649

26/02/2016

J.S. Bach - Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ BWV 649

In my opinion, this choral prelude is often played much too fast. The best performance I could find on YouTube is by Wim van Beek on the organ of the Martinikerk in Groningen. The sound is magnificent; I only find the cantus firmus too loud. In addition, the notes of the choral's melody are too separated from each other; the result is a certain strictness and lack of warmth.

I play the accompaniment more rubato, to support the feeling of imploring.

About

As a classical organist I have been a prominent Messiaen and Reger interpreter since the '90s. Nowadays Bach interpretation is my main classical project. This is represented by my research "Dancing Bach on the organ". At the same time, as an improviser and a performing composer, I have been creating a new musical language which brings together musicians with avant-jazz, avant-pop, Western classical and traditional African and Asian backgrounds. I now relate this to my Bach interpretation.