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Holland Baroque presents Bachs Königin, an album full of masterful organ works by J.S. Bach, transcribed for the orchestra by Judith and Tineke Steenbrink. These creative interpretations add unique colours and a fresh spirit to baroque monuments. Here is yet another chance to enjoy Bach’s genius. Holland Baroque is an original and innovative baroque orchestra that approaches baroque repertoire through a fresh and contemporary approach, with a focus on improvisation and collaborations with outstanding artists from different traditions. Bachs Königin is their fifth Pentatone album, after having released Minne (2022) Brabant 1653, Polonoise (both 2021) and Silk Baroque (2019) with the label. ineke Steenbrink: “The organ, also called the ‘Queen of the Instruments’, is greatly appreciated by a small group of enthusiasts. They often know every note of Bach’s organ repertoire. We at Holland Baroque find it exciting to present these works in a different way through the orchestra. By transcribing his works note by note for the ensemble we learn about Bach’s organ masterpieces more deeply. How we admire his playful virtuosity! The expressiveness of the Passacaglia has overwhelmed us. In this repertoire, both his exuberant and melancholic side are brought to the forefront.” Judith Steenbrink: “My sister Tineke and I have always worked together, through playing music but also in preparing programs, choosing pieces and preparing the musical material for the players. We send our arrangements back and forth until we both think it’s good. It’s a game for us and at the same time a very serious matter to respect the old rules of composition at all times. As an organist and harpsichordist, Tineke is more at home with organ repertoire, but I also have many childhood memories of these pieces. As children, we heard many organ concerts. The organist of the monastery where we spent a lot of time played these works. For example, on religious holidays the first part of BWV 592 always was played after Mass. It was a tradition. Everyone always hummed along.’’ Tineke: “It was an exciting experience to see how it would sound if the players of Holland Baroque were to breathe life into the notes. Our goal was for the transcriptions to be as playable and sound as natural as possible.” Judith: “We had to make choices about which pieces to use from the large organ repertoire of Bach... There is so much material still. The most important thing is that we show the many sides of Bach. Also that new orchestral material has been created. An addition to help us dive into even more of Bach.” - Judith & Tineke Steenbrink