The work is part of the standard repertoire for organ: Franz Liszt's Prelude and Fugue on the name B-A-C-H. Liszt wrote the piece in 1855 for the famous Ladegast organ in Merseburg Cathedral. He revised the work around 20 years later, and this later version is played almost exclusively in concerts today.

The earlier version, however, is more experimental and in many respects like a raw, unpolished diamond. It shows Liszt's intensive involvement with the organ at this time: he discovered the instrument in a new way and developed a composition style that combined the qualities of a virtuoso piano technique with the orchestral dimensions of a large organ.

This fascinating original version is at the center of my Opening concert of this year's 2nd organ festival in St. Laurenzen. The piece sounds fantastic on the surround organ and I'm really looking forward to the concert!

The program opens with two pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach: his Fantasia and Fugue in C minor BWV537, which has great personal significance for me: it was my first "great Bach", which I studied as a young organ student against the wishes of my teacher at the time. It is followed by the wonderful chorale prelude on "An Wasserflüssen Babylon".

Also on the program are Robert Schumann's dance-like "Skizzen für Pedalflügel" Opus 58 and a new "Intermezzo" by me.

Sunday, September 7, 4:30 pm: Concert Introduction (duration approx. 30 minutes)
5:30 pm: Concert

A reservation is required for the concert: Eventfrog.