Hans Fagius, a renowned organist, presents a captivating collection of classical organ works in "Organ Favourites," released on January 31, 1987, under the BIS label. This album is a testament to Fagius's exceptional skill and versatility, featuring a diverse range of compositions that span various styles and periods.
The album opens with Johann Sebastian Bach's iconic "Toccata und Fugue in D Minor, BWV565," followed by an arrangement of "Jesu bleibet meine Freude, BWV 147" for organ. Fagius then takes the listener through a series of intricate and expressive pieces, including Charles-Marie Widor's "Introduction - Choral," "Menuet gothique," "Priere a Notre Dame," and "Toccata." The traditional "Gammal fabodpsalm fran Dalarna (Old Pastoral Hymn from Dalecarlia)" adds a touch of folk charm to the collection.
The album also features works by Felix Mendelssohn, such as the "Impromptu, Op. 54, No. 2" and "Carillon de Westminster, Op. 54, No. 6," as well as Max Reger's "11 Choralvorspiele, Op. 122: Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" and "66 Choralimprovisationen, Op. 65: Nun danket alle Gott (Marche triomphale)." Marcel Dupré's "Dix Pieces pour orgue: Toccata" and "Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, Op. 7, No. 3" showcase Fagius's ability to handle complex and demanding compositions with ease.
The album concludes with arrangements by M. Norrefalk of "Le jardin suspendu" and "Litanies," followed by the powerful "Tu es petra." With a total duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, "Organ Favourites" is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the organ's rich and varied repertoire, performed by one of the most accomplished organists of our time.
