1725 F.C. Schnitger organ at Sint Laurenskerk, Alkmaar, The Netherlands

Bach may have considered this piece a theoretical study and not have intended The Art of Fugue to be performed at all, since he prepared it in open score and left the climax incomplete. On our next Pipedreams program, we give life to theory, as an international array of soloists leads us through Bach’s contrapuntal maze, this music which astounds the mind and delights the ear simultaneously. A fugue too many? Not to worry, we’ll provide a map to help you listen, and hand you all the keys necessary to open the doors of mystery. How does it end?

This week we listen to recordings from generations before ours by performers who knew a thing or two about making Olde Sebastian’s scores come alive.

The Netherlands, beyond its eye-catching windmills and colorful tulips, is home to an incredible treasure of historic and modern pipe organs.

…through works of the Couperin Family, we provide a fog-reducing introduction to music in French Classic style. Truly fit for a king. Their family dynasty served the Royal French Court, and French music, for nearly 200 years. The Couperins were masters of the keyboard and organists at the Church of Saint Gervais in Paris from 1653 to 1830. On our next Pipedreams broadcast, we’ll explore their works: the majestic and austere verses and fantasies by Uncle Louis, the charming miniatures of the grandson Arman-Louis and his son Gervais-Francois, and the monumental and poetic Masses by François Couperin who was called “The Great” for good reason. It’s a study of the evolution of style, and an introduction to the flavorful recipes of Classic French organ registration. This week, we’ll also hear program host Michael Barone demonstrate a few “French Classic” registrations with some illustrative performances. For anyone who has ever wanted to hear him play, here’s your chance! The colors are rich, the rhythms saucy, the flavors as beguiling as a good French wine. We’ll savor the art of the Baroque Organ in Paris, through music from four generations of the famous Couperin family: Louis, Armand, Gervaise, and Francois. From “C” to Shining “C”, an introduction to elegance, this week on Pipedreams.

…honoring a revered teacher and performer who made history with his authoritative and pioneering recordings of Bach’s organ works.

…a selective survey of some recently issued recordings devoted to organ music from the period 1600-1750, everything from Boyvin to Casini plus Bach, Handel and Buxtehude, too!

…in this first of three Bach-related programs this month, notable performers bring decided individuality to their interpretations and tributes.

…in observance of the 450th anniversary of Sweelinck’s birth, a survey of the organ art in the Netherlands.

…putting the pedal to the metal, these compositions make extraordinary use of the organists feet, which often play the music all by themselves.

…three wildly different composers, one from the German Baroque and a pair from 20th century Germany and England, make for interesting contrasts.

…in celebration of the Vernal Equinox and a special birthday, we delight again in more of the ever resilient music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

…a collection of choral works and organ solos in celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection.

…in this first of three Bach-related programs this month, notable performers bring decided individuality to their interpretations and tributes.

…an international array of soloists leads us through the magical intricacies of The Art of Fugue/Die Kunst der Fuge (S. 1080) by Johann Sebastian Bach.

…a reflection on the art of the great Netherlands organist and teacher, Gustav Leonhardt.

…concert performances from near and far keep the King of Instruments in the spotlight.

…performance styles over the years have changed, but the genius of J. S. B. remains a constant.

…A New Year's beginning which surveys a miscellany of new releases of organ music on compact disc. Host Michael Barone provides commentary.

Transcribed, transformed, and untraditional organ works by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.

Persuasive examples of the organ’s extraordinary historic repertoire.