J Dimmock Review

"Luscious" is the word that comes to mind upon opening Jonathan Dimmock’s recently released 3-CD set, as published by the composer during his lifetime. The album itself, with very complete notes and beautiful photos, is a delight. Especially grand to have are the chorales of Clavierübung sung by a choir, certainly a master bit of strategy and logistics. Dimmock combines period sensitivity in every performance detail on three absolutely wonderful organs: Klosterkirche (1737) and St. Wilhadi (1736) in Germany and Arlesheim Cathedral (Silbermann 1761 / Metzler 1959) in Switzerland. There are lots of other "complete Bach" sets around, but this is a Herculean undertaking. The whole concept of this fuses with Dimmock’s sensitive musicality: tempi which let the lines sing; registrations which are perfect "handmaids of the muse;" articulations which don’t "preach" or intrude, but rather highlight and illuminate; nuances which grow out of the music rather than arbitrary impositions which one may hear in academic circles more frequently than one would choose. The only downside may be envy at not being able to have such an experience yourself!