ProStudioMasters.com

LAWO Classics has released a new recording with the collected organ works of Johannes Brahms (1833-1897). The recording focuses on the influence of Clara Schumann (1819-1896) on the young composer Brahms and includes one of her preludes and fugues. Brahms’ organ works are often overlooked, yet they were important in the composer’s musical development. At a time when concert halls were more likely to feature opera and bombastic piano music, the organ works show Brahms’ high regard for Bach and counterpoint. They are also a key to understanding the masterly way in which he integrates classical elements into his otherwise Romantic orchestral, instrumental and vocal works. The two Carsten Lund organs of Bragernes Church rank among the most exciting of the new organs built in Norway in recent years. The church’s main organ dating from 1998 has 39 stops and is one of Norway’s most magnificent Romantic organs, while the chancel organ built in 2009 represents a leaner sound ideal. Both instruments are used on the recording. Anders Eidsten Dahl (1976) has an active career as concert organist, both as soloist and chamber musician at home and abroad. He is a recipient of Norway’s Government Grants for Artists for 2011 and 2012. This is his second solo release with LAWO Classics.