Roger Sayer - The Grand Organ of Temple Church (2018) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Roger Sayer is at the forefront of British choral and organ music, recognised both as a prize-winning organist, and as an acclaimed Choral Director with some of the UK 's finest choirs. Sayer has even performed as the organ soloist in Hans Zimmer's Oscar-nominated score for the film Interstellar. Mozart called the organ the ""King of Instruments"", and this release certainly showcases its majestic qualities. Mendelssohn's Organ Sonata No.1 was inspired by Bach, and exudes an air of gravitas and profundity whilst enjoying the organ's variety of sonorities. Bach also influenced 20th-century composers Sigfrid Karg-Elert and Max Reger, both of whom followed in Bach's footsteps by moving to Leipzig. Karg-Elert's Symphonic Chorale is based on Jesu meine Freude by Johann Cruger, and on the notes BACH (B flat, A, C and B natural), while Reger's chorale-based Fantasia is a work of great virtuosity. The collection ends with a memorable sonata by Liszt-pupil Julius Reubke.

"He is, without exaggeration, an extraordinary artist, whose humanity shines in the impeccable artistry that flows from his hands…." (Hans Zimmer, award-winning composer)

Tracklist:
1. Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56 : I. Allegro moderato e serioso 05:22
2. Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56 : II. Adagio 03:18
3. Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56 : III. Andante recitativo 03:28
4. Organ Sonata in F Minor, Op. 65 No. 1, MWV W56 : IV. Allegro assai vivace 03:15
5. Sinfonische Chorale, Op. 87 No. 2 "Jesu, meine Freude" : I. Introduzione. Inferno 06:01
6. Sinfonische Chorale, Op. 87 No. 2 "Jesu, meine Freude" : II. Canzone 05:43
7. Sinfonische Chorale, Op. 87 No. 2 "Jesu, meine Freude" : III. Fuga con chorale 08:07
8. Chorale Fantasias, Op. 52 : No. 3, Halleluja! Gott zu loben, bleibe meine Seelenfreud 13:34
9. Organ Sonata in C Minor "Psalm 94" : I. Grave - II. Allegro con fuoco 12:02
10. Organ Sonata in C Minor "Psalm 94" : III. Adagio - Lento 06:11
11. Organ Sonata in C Minor "Psalm 94" : IV. Allegro - Più mosso 07:06

Personnel:
Roger Sayer, organ