Bach – ‘Gigue’ Fugue in G major BWV 577 // Krzeszów Engler

The famous Fuge (or Fugue) à la Gigue BWV 577, better known as the 'Jig' Fugue is one of Johann Sebastian Bach's most famous pieces of organ music. For many years, the work was thought to be a misattribution but scholars now largely agree that Bach was indeed the author. Named for its lively subject, in a jig rhythm, it was perhaps inspired by Buxtehude's similar setting, BuxWV 174. Given that it is thought be one of Bach's earlier works (possibly whilst working at Arnstadt) the link with Buxtehude's setting seems plausible given that Bach famously walked 280 miles to Lübeck to study with his idol. Lovely though Buxtehude's fugue is, Bach's is superior; his bravura setting with its energetic pedal line, itself almost like dancing a jig, builds the rhythmic tension right to the conclusion of the piece. Recordings this piece are abundant in number, many with racing speeds which would seemingly make dancing to this music impossible. Here, I've tried to find a more measured pace, appropriate to the acoustic of the Basilica in Krzeszów and the music, taking inspiration from Ton Koopman's performance, which is also available on YouTube. Michael Engler's 1737 organ in Krzeszów Basilica (sampled by Sonus Paradisi) is one of the many jewels of European organs and well suited to the music of Bach with its rich foundations and crowning mixtures. The meantone temperament makes for some interesting chords in the central sections! Organ detail: https://www.sonusparadisi.cz/en/organ... #hauptwerk #sonusparadisi #krzeszow