Elizabethan Organ Music

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The Netherlands is full of historical organs that have been carefully preserved—and often restored—with meticulous care. A shining example is that of the 1718 Schnitger organ in St Michael’s Church, Zwolle. With sixty-four registers and four manuals, it’s the largest instrument built by this famous German organ maker (who set the standard for German Baroque organs). With the help of several discoveries made during its restoration, it has now been completely restored to the heights of its former glory—even retaining its original sound.

A student of the great Gustav Leonhardt, harpsichordist Skip Sempé (founder of the Paradizo label in 2006), pays tribute to his mentor with this reissue of a rare recital, recorded in the Spring of 1962 in Zwolle. Sadly, the recital’s original tapes, recorded for Cambridge Records, were lost. Therefore, a microgroove vinyl record in good condition served as the basis for this first CD edition. Though, this is not part of the vast “Gustav Leonhardt Edition” which was published by other labels later in his career.

This recital, remarkably recorded and perfectly remastered, demonstrates the rustic, bold and colourful sounds of the instrument before its restoration in the latter 20th century. Its timbres are perfectly suited to this selection of Elizabethan music, which includes iconic pieces by John Munday, Giles Farnaby, John Bull, Orlando Gibbons, and William Byrd. Leonhardt didn’t re-record any of these pieces during his career, except for just three. Therefore, this is a previously unreleased recording that will delight fans of the colloquially known ‘Pope of Baroque’. © François Hudry/Qobuz