Donald Satz wrote (January 8, 2000):
Channel Classics recently issued a 2-CD set of Bach's Great Organ Mass featuring Leo van Doeselaar on the organ and the Choir of the Netherlands Bach Society directed by Jos van Veldhoven. Mr. Veldhoven was the conductor of the fine St. Matthew Passion (BWV 244) also on Channel Classics.

Before getting to the matter of the performances, I need to explain a little about just what the Great Organ Mass is and the basic concept of the new recording (for it is a concept recording).

The Great/German Organ Mass comes from the third part of Bach's Clavierubung which consists of the Four Duets and a grouping of organ pieces; these organ pieces make up the Great Organ Mass. This organ mass consists, first, of a prelude and fugue (S 552) with the prelude framing the beginning of the mass and the fugue framing the conclusion. Second, there is a series of 21 Chorale-Preludes between the two frames. Most recordings present the series of 21 with the prelude and fugue as the frames - all organ music.

The concept of the new set is to select some of the organ pieces and intersperse them with choral treatments of the chorales, these choral treatments being composed by composers other than Bach. In this case, the choral contributions come from the likes of Schütz, Praetorius, Schein, Scheidt,and Hassler.

I see three considerations with this concept:

1. How well are the organ pieces played.
2. How well are the choral pieces sung.
3. How well does the concept play out.

Concerning the organ pieces, van Doeselaar is an excellent organist and the recorded sound is fantastic. The choral pieces are lovely and expertly sung by the choir.

They also go together quite well. I suppose you could imagine being part of a Lutheran service and soaking up the mix of organ and chorus. Whether this concept wears well over time is a consideration I can't address presently. I'm sure there are listeners who would prefer to have the Great Organ Mass in its entirety without any choral treatment. But for those who love this type of mix and match, the new set could well be a treasure. Personally, I am very glad to have this set under the condition that I also have the Great Organ Mass complete.

Don's Conclusion: A worthy and beautifully played recording for those who already have the complete Great organ Mass. But, those new to these works should first acquire the Mass in its entirety.

Great Organ Mass BWV 669-689: Great Organ Mass - Doeselaar | Great Organ Mass - Johannssen | Clavier-Ubung III - Suzuki

Leo van Doeselaar: Short Biography | Amsterdam Bach Soloists | Recordings of Vocal Works | Recordings of Instrumental Works
Reviews of Instrumental Recordings: Bach Great Organ Mass by Leo van Doeselaar