Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Hugo Distler's organ works with "Das Orgelwerk 2," a captivating collection released in 1996. This album, featuring the masterful performances of Armin Schoof, showcases a selection of Distler's most compelling compositions for the organ, recorded on the composer's own house organ in Lübeck. The album spans 42 minutes of meticulously crafted music, divided into two main sections: the "Dreissig Spielstücke für Kleinorgel oder andere Tasteninstrumente, op. 18/I" and the "Orgelsonate op. 18/II."
Distler, a prominent figure in 20th-century German music, offers a rich tapestry of musical expression through these pieces. The "Dreissig Spielstücke" are a series of thirty short, character pieces that demonstrate Distler's versatility and mastery of the organ. Each piece, numbered and grouped into sets, reveals a different facet of his compositional genius, from contemplative and introspective to lively and exuberant. The "Orgelsonate op. 18/II" adds depth to the collection with its three-movement sonata form, showcasing Distler's ability to blend traditional structures with innovative harmonies and textures.
The album also includes two beloved chorale preludes, "Wie schön leucht' uns der Morgenstern" and "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her," which highlight Distler's skill in setting sacred texts to music. These pieces, along with the rest of the compositions on "Das Orgelwerk 2," offer a comprehensive overview of Distler's organ repertoire, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Recorded with pristine clarity and performed with sensitivity and virtuosity, this album is a testament to the enduring legacy of Hugo Distler and the timeless beauty of his music.
