Exploring Mendelssohn's own preference of organ style as built by the Stumm Brothers, James Hammann plays an organ such as Mendelssohn chose to play when demonstrating his organ works for friends. Built in 1785 by the Stumm Brothers, the organ heard on this 2-CD set is newly restored in the fine acoustic of St. Ulrich Church in Neckargemünd, Germany. Especially revealing is the very slow speech of the early string stops, bringing a unique effect akin to the glass harmonica which had achieved substantial popularity in Europe. The effect is heard during many parts of the program and is striking in the Adagio movement of the F-minor Organ Sonata, Op. 65, No. 1. *
All Six Organ Sonatas, Op. 65
Three Preludes & Fugues, Op. 37
Allegro in B-flat Major
Andante in F Major
Fughetta in A Major (published 1842)
Fugue in F Minor
Fugue in E Minor
Andante with Variations in D Major
Prelude, Chorale and Fugue in D