Dieterich Buxtehude - Organ Works I (Léon Berben)

Information

Composer: Dieterich Buxtehude

CD1

1. Prelude in C Major, BuxWV 136
2. Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, BuxWV 188
3. Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, BuxWV 189
4. Canzona in C Major, BuxWV 166
5. Canzonetta in C Major, BuxWV 167
6. Toccata in G Major, BuxWV 164
7. Erhalt uns Herr, bei deinem Wort, BuxWV Anh. 11
8. Prelude in G Major, BuxWV 147
9. Nun freut euch, lieben Christen gmein, BuxWV Anh. deest 5 (Transposed to G Major)
10. Nimm von uns, Herr, BuxWV 207
11. Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzu gleich, BuxWV 202
12. Prelude in A Minor, BuxWV 158
13. Courant simple in A Minor, BuxWV 245
14. Mensch, willst du leben seliglich, BuxWV 206
15. Prelude in F-sharp Minor, BuxWV 146 (Transposed to G Minor)

CD2

1. Prelude in D Minor, BuxWV 140
2. Magnificat Primi Toni, BuxWV 204
3. Magnificat Noni Toni, BuxWV 205
4. Aria Rofilis, BuxWV 248
5. Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BuxWV 196
6. Prelude in E Major, BuxWV 141 (Transposed to C Major)
7. Gott der Vater wohn uns bei, BuxWV 190
8. Aria, BuxWV 249
9. Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit, BuxWV 222
10. Passacaglia in D Minor, BuxWV 161
11. Ach Gott und Herr, BuxWV 177
12. Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BuxWV 198
13. Fuga in G Major, BuxWV 175
14. Prelude in G Minor, BuxWV 148
15. Canzonetta in D Minor, BuxWV 168
16. Toccata in D Minor, BuxWV 155

Léon Berben, organ

Date: 2026

Label: Ramée

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The organ of St. Aegidius in Berne preserves rare historical elements, including the world’s only surviving pipes by Brabant organ builder Reinhard Lampeler van Mill (1596) and substantial components from Harmen Kröger (1643) and Christian Vater (1714). As an important example of North German organ building prior to Arp Schnitger, the instrument is noted for its power, tonal colour, and distinctive “sweet sharpness.” This recording aims not to recreate a new instrument for Buxtehude’s works but to explore how the sound of a late 16th–early 17th century organ shapes the interpretation of his music. The performance employs meantone temperament, historically informed registrations, ornamentation, and occasional transpositions consistent with early performance practices.

Léon Berben (born 1970 in Heerlen, Netherlands) is a Dutch harpsichordist and organist specializing in early music. He studied harpsichord and organ at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam with renowned teachers including Rienk Jiskoot, Bob van Asperen, Ton Koopman, and Gustav Leonhardt, earning solo diplomas for both instruments. In 2000 he became the harpsichordist of Musica Antiqua Köln under Reinhard Goebel, performing internationally and recording for Deutsche Grammophon/Archiv Produktion. Berben also gives solo recitals and has released acclaimed recordings on historic instruments for labels such as Ramée and Aeolus. His repertoire focuses on music from 1550–1750, particularly German composers, the English Virginalists, and Sweelinck.