Johann Sebastian Bach - Bach and the Baroque Organ Tradition (Roberta Schmid)

Information

1. Johann Sebastian Bach - Passacaglia in C Minor, BWV 582
2. Johann Sebastian Bach - Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659
3. Johann Sebastian Bach - Organ Sonata No.1 in E-Flat Major, BWV 525: I. Allegro moderato
4. Johann Sebastian Bach - Organ Sonata No.1 in E-Flat Major, BWV 525: III. Allegro
5. Johann Sebastian Bach - Organ Concerto in A Minor, BWV 593 (after Vivaldi): I. Senza indicazione
6. Johann Sebastian Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565
7. Johann Pachelbel - Chaconne in F Minor, P.43
8. Dieterich Buxtehude - Passacaglia in D Minor, BuxWV 161
9. Johann Sebastian Bach - Organ Concerto in A Minor, BWV 593 (after Vivaldi): II. Adagio
10. Johann Sebastian Bach - Organ Concerto in A Minor, BWV 593 (after Vivaldi): III. Allegro
11. Johann Sebastian Bach - Organ Sonata No.1 in E-Flat Major, BWV 525: II. Adagio

Roberta Schmid, organ

Date: 2026

Label: Aulicus Classics

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This CD highlights peak expressions of Baroque organ literature centered on Johann Sebastian Bach and his contemporaries, unified by shared formal, contrapuntal, and stylistic connections. The program explores structural forms like the Passacaglia and Chaconne, complex contrapuntal textures, and Italian melodic lyricism as demonstrated in Pachelbel’s Chaconne and Bach’s chorale prelude Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland BWV 659. At the center of the recording is Bach’s monumental Passacaglia BWV 582, a masterpiece of architectural balance that develops an ostinato theme into a complex fugue, seamlessly combining strict contrapuntal rigor with profound emotional expression.

Italian organist Roberta Schmid, born in Naples in 1964, holds advanced diplomas in organ, piano, and musical didactics, having studied at the Conservatoire “S. Pietro a Maiella” and specialized with renowned masters across Europe. Her international concert career as a soloist and chamber musician includes performances at major organ festivals throughout Europe and Mexico, alongside recordings for Aulicus Classics and Goethe-Institut Italien. Schmid served as organist at Santa Chiara’s Basilica in Naples for four decades, formerly held academic teaching positions, and currently serves as artistic director of the "Musica intorno all'organo" festival while remaining the official organist at Naples' St. Maria della Rotonda Church.

High Resolution 24-bit / 48 kHz