Practising the Organ

Barbara Kraus, Orgelschule –
Basics of Playing Technique and Interpretation

Organ Method (Orgelschule, in German language) Starting with organ technique and original repertoire of the 19th and early 20th century, this tutorial book continues with the „Galant Style“ of the late 18th century and finally reaches the Baroque era. This, so to say, historically backward looking approach, enables the student to apply his or her piano knowledges, and at the same time allows to feel technically and aesthetically at home when beginning with the organ. Having attained a certain technical level and a personal feeling for the instrument, the student proceeds by learning something about „classic“ articulation and ornaments, and in the end he or she discovers the great variety of Baroque fingering and footing, declamation, articulation and ornamentation.

95 original pieces of the 18th, 19th and 20th century (J.S. Bach and his sons, Telemann, Walther, Kittel, Knecht, Ritter, Bruckner, Franck, Boellmann, Gigout, Janacek, Distler and others. 82 etudes (30 based on Lied, Choral and Gospel melodies), 160 pages, 1st edition in 2009, 4th edition in 2014.

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Georg Friedrich Händel

Sonata, Fugue and several Harpsichord Pieces, arranged for organ by Barbara Kraus, 28 pages, ISMN-9790700167-48-6 2011, Medien Kontor Hamburg

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Henry Purcell

Suite "The Old Bachelor" and Fantaisies, arranged for organ by Barbara Kraus, 28 pages ISMN-9790700167-33-2 2004, Medien Kontor Hamburg.

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Johann Sebastian Bach, Organ Works

The organ in St. Bartholomäus, Wesselburen (North Western Germany) was built in 1741 by Johann Hinrich Klapmeyer, in the tradition of the famous organ builder of the Baroque era, Arp Schnitger. The instrument (2 manuals and independent pedal, 30 stops), a masterpiece of Baroque art and craftsmanship, has been reconstructed by the organ builder Rowan West in 2011. For this J.S. Bach recording the interpreter selected compositions which are inspired by the North German „Fantastic Style“ of Nicolaus Bruhns or Dietrich Buxthude. These great preludes, toccatas, fantaisies and their fugues show the brillant sounding „Plenum“ of the instrument. Contrasting this mighty aspect of the Baroque organ, there are some smaller, quiet pieces of diverse styles to be heard, to do justice to the individual character of the flutes and reeds.

For MP3 recordings, further information and tracklist, see: www.barbara-kraus.com

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Franz Vollrath Buttstett (1735–1814), Keyboard Sonatas

Following the suggestion of the novelist Andreas Nohr, whose attention had by a mere chance been drawn to F.V. Buttstett in the libraries of Franconia (Northern Bavaria), Barbara Kraus began research into existing compositions (autographs, copies and some early prints) in order this nearly forgotten music have the chance of being performed. She published a selection of cantatas and motets as well as all keyboard works.

For this recording the interpreter chose a Forte-Piano, a detailed copy of an instrument by J.A Stein (Vienna 1783) and a clavichord, referring to instruments of central germany of the later 18th century.

For MP3 recordings, further information and tracklist, see: www.barbara-kraus.com

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