1755 Silbermann organ at the Hofkirche, Dresden, Germany

A springtime review of some interesting new CD releases of organ music from around the world.

…a modest miscellany of recent compact discs, a representative sampler of the incredible flood of current offerings.

…our annual reflection on the past twelve months and projections for the future, including some of the original PIPEDREAMS elements from our first broadcasts 25 years ago.

…music beyond the standard repertoire, some of it recently discovered, some of questionable authenticity, but all sounding splendid on an international collection of ‘Bach’s Royal Instruments’.

…instruments historic and modern in rooms where royalty communed and consorted.

…in recently discovered scores, unusual arrangements, or pieces forgotten in dark corners, the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach always delights, born March 21, 1685.

…varied interpretations, transcriptions, arrangements, and outlooks enhance our appreciation of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

…in their different ways, Bach’s eldest sons Wilhelm Friedemann and Carl Philip Emmanuel, made interesting contributions to the repertoire.

…with vibrant performances and exquisite instrumental sonorities, we delight in the work of history’s foremost composer for the pipe organ.

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

…in anticipation of the holiday season, a collection of music on Advent themes.

…whether in recently discovered scores, unusual arrangements, or pieces forgotten in dark corners, the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach always delights (b. 3/21/1685).

…discoveries, authentications, arrangements and acknowledged masterworks by the greatest of all composers for the pipe organ.

…music in observance of the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation.

…whether in his own country or in Switzerland, Japan or the USA, Bach’s music thrills, unequivocally.

…in anticipation of the upcoming Pipedreams Tour in Germany, we sample various interpretive approaches of Bach’s music played on instruments in Bach Country.

…delight in the sounds of some of the instruments that will be visited during the PIPEDREAMS tour in Germany this week.

…On this first broadcast of a new Pipedreams series, host Michael Barone surveys the musical and historic variety of the pipe organ, while sampling recent recordings. The emphasis is on the unusual and the unusually attractive, with wide-ranging choices covering many musical styles, performers, and instruments.

…on beyond ubiquitous familiarity to a diverse and delightful repertoire by the master-player of Nuremberg, Johann Pachelbel.

Mostly smaller chorale settings from the landmark volume, Clavierubung III.

A miscellany of music for organ and various other instruments.