"The concept of this series is fantastic. Buxtehude's organ works are not interpreted on a single instrument, but serve to represent the North German and Dutch organ building traditions. Several organs are presented in detail on each album, and a precise registration plan also helps to better hear the disposition. The already high editorial value is further enhanced by a careful recording technique". In addition, this release includes a beautifully filmed video about the famous Schnitger-Organ in Cappel. German organist Harald Vogel is a leading expert on Renaissance and Baroque keyboard music. He is professor of organ at the University of the Arts Bremen, a position he has held since 1994.

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REVIEW:

This 7 CD box set is a revised reissue of the acclaimed complete set originally released in 2007 to mark the 300th anniversary of Buxtehude’s death (review). Recorded by Vogel on 17 predominantly north German organs over the period 1986-93 the works were initially available only in single volumes. For this set Vogel has chosen to play a range of restored historic organs, which either Buxtehude would have played or exemplify from the composer’s day the original sound and specifications of those German and neighbouring counties namely Denmark, Sweden and The Netherlands.

Using his considerable experience Vogel is discerning in his choice of registration, phrasing, articulation and tempo, with everything feeling just right and producing a wealth of colour. It’s both fascinating and enjoyable to experience the particular character of each organ especially the nuances and aspects of their ranges.

In the catalogue there are a number of sets of the Buxtehude complete organ works. I don’t profess to know all these sets, having encountered only a few of them, but with such top-drawer playing from Harald Vogel this is an ideal way of experiencing Buxtehude’s complete organ works.

– MusicWeb International