James McVinnie: J.S. Bach Prelude E flat BWV 552i on the organ of St Andrew Holborn London (section)

A short section of James McVinnie: J.S. Bach Praeludium pro Organo pleno BWV 552i / J.S. Bach Prelude E flat BWV 552i on the organ of St Andrew Holborn, London. A recorded version of this piece features on James McVinnie's new album Bach: Clavier-Übung III on PENTATONE.

TECHNICAL BRILLIANCE AND SPIRITUAL DEPTH: MCVINNIE DELVES INTO CLAVIER-ÜBUNG III

James McVinnie brings Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental Clavier-Übung III to life in a recording that captures both its technical brilliance and profound spiritual depth. Bach’s 1739 collection, his first published volume of organ music, is a masterful synthesis of compositional technique, theological meditation, and musical expression. With twenty-seven works, including chorale preludes, duets, and the majestic opening Prelude and closing Fugue, the collection is a rich musical exploration of Lutheran faith, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and the artistry of counterpoint at its most sublime.

From the intricate contrapuntal pairs of the Catechism chorales to the flowing bass lines of Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam, and the transcendent final Fugue in E flat, McVinnie navigates Bach’s towering architecture with clarity, precision, and sensitivity. This recording highlights the cosmopolitan textures, theological symbolism, and emotional resonance that make Clavier-Übung III a pinnacle of the organ repertoire. With insight drawn from decades of study and performance, McVinnie offers a journey into Bach’s musical universe, where faith, intellect, and artistry converge in works of extraordinary beauty and enduring power.

James McVinnie made his PENTATONE debut in January 2025 with the album Dreamcatcher.

To listen to the album: https://lnk.to/BachMcVinnie