Several of Loft’s recordings can be seen as important documents of very specific areas or repertoire performed by highly skilled executants of the performance practices appropriate to that repertoire. This is one such release. Harald Vogel is justly famous for his performances of North German Baroque music and his championing of historical playing techniques. Here, Vogel has been recorded on one of the USA’s landmark organ reform instruments, John Brombaugh’s Opus 19 in Eugene, Oregon. The organ was inspired by North German instruments and sounds lively, direct and inspiring throughout with singing principals, prompt, smooth, Schnitgerian reeds and highly flexible wind. Vogel at least is clearly inspired, and consequently this is as good a player/instrument partnership as you’re likely to hear.

Harald Vogel’s survey of some of Bach’s earliest organ compositions includes the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues, together with the partita on O Gott, du frommer Gott, and the keyboard Toccata in E minor. On paper this may appear an unappetising feast, but it turns out not to be. As Abbey Siegfried points out in the booklet, “compositions by the young Bach present many challenging and fascinating problems…of chronological order, stylistic influence…and performance practice issues of registration and musical interpretation”. The booklet incidentally deserves a special mention as it is simply outstanding. It contains essays on the music by Roger Sherman, Harald Vogel - a fascinating contribution on the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues, including their authenticity, musical merits and performance practice issues - and Abbey Siegfried, an essay on the organ by John Brombaugh himself, and full registration details. I can hardly think of a better booklet in an organ CD; in other words, other labels need to pull their socks up! Vogel’s approach is as ever impeccable. His ability to get the best out of both music and organ are simply beyond reproach. Roger Sherman’s recording is up to his usual standards. This is a model release and well worth tracking down.

-The Organ, UK