Clavierübung III

Recorded on the Trost Organ in Waltershausen, Matthew Wilkinson brings a unique perspective to this magnum opus. The organ in Waltershausen was built by Gottfried Trost, an organ builder for whom Bach had great admiration and respect. J.S. Bach examined and dedicated the Trost organ in the nearby Altenburg Schlosskirche. There, he was said to have pulled a unique registration of four 8 foot stops pulled together as a solo registration, deemed revolutionary for the time. He is also said to have executed a hymn, transposing up a half step each verse. He spoke highly of the unique timbres and possibilities that were made possible on the Altenburg Schlosskirche organ, with its manifold strings and colors. The organ in Waltershausen is a sister organ to this unique organ from Altenburg. It has a similar disposition, with a plethora of 8 foot flutes and strings. Bach most likely visited this organ when he was nearby, although there is no official record that he did. 

Here, Matthew Wilkinson presents the Clavierübung III in its entirety (over two CDs), not skipping movements like the four duos at the end as many other recordings do. Furthermore, there are three bonus tracks at the end with alternate registrations for 3 of three of the movements. 

By purchasing the CD, you will also have access to an article written by the esteemed musicologist Meinrad Walter concerning this work, as well as a piece by the organist himself, reflecting on the work as a whole specifically how it relates to the artwork on the front cover. Furthermore, a treasure for the organ aficionado, you will have the exact registrations for each movement of the work, so that you will know exactly which stops you are encountering. 

The cover art, “The Cosmic Image”, was created by renowned Eastern Orthodox icon carver Jonathan Pageau.