Hans Fagius, a renowned organist, presents a captivating collection of classical organ works in his album "Organ Favourites," released on January 31, 1987, under the BIS label. This album is a testament to Fagius's virtuosity and his deep connection with the organ, offering a diverse range of pieces that span various styles and periods.
The album opens with 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 audience through a series of intricate and expressive works, including "Menuet gothique" and "Priere a Notre Dame" by Marcel Dupré, and "Impromptu, Op. 54, No. 2" and "Carillon de Westminster, Op. 54, No. 6" by Alexandre Guilmant. The album also features traditional pieces like "Gammal fabodpsalm fran Dalarna" and "Tu es petra," showcasing Fagius's ability to breathe new life into familiar melodies.
Fagius's technical prowess is evident in his renditions of "11 Choralvorspiele, Op. 122: Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" by Max Reger and "66 Choralimprovisationen, Op. 65: Nun danket alle Gott (Marche triomphale)" by Sigfrid Karg-Elert. His interpretations are both sensitive and powerful, highlighting the rich tonal colors of the organ.
The album concludes with "Le jardin suspendu" and "Litanies," both arranged by Mats Norrefalk, offering a serene and contemplative end to this musical journey. With a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, "Organ Favourites" is a compelling exploration of the organ's versatility and Hans Fagius's exceptional skill.
