Zefir Records

Historical Organs in Zeeland

Leen de Broekert

The recordings on this CD were made in 2003 for the radio series  ”Orgels van het vlakke land – vier eeuwen orgelbouw in Nederland”. Three organs were the center of attention in a journey to finding fitting repertoire for the instruments. Leen de Broekert presents the three completely different organs with adventurous and non-predictable music. The main idea is shaped by less known compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).
It starts in the Lutheran church in Middelburg with a festive overture of the composer Thomas Babou (1656-1739) from Luik, in which the trumpet and cornet give an ‘acte de présence’. Johann Kaspar Ferdinand Fischer (?-1746) – a German contemporary of Babou – composed a collection of suites for the harpsichord, called ‘Musikalischer Parnassus’, named after the nine muses, in 1738. The suite ‘Euterpe’ represents the muse of flutes. The ‘Fuge in d-minor, BMV 539 – known as the violin-fuga by organists – is an anonymous eighteenth century transcription of Bach’s ‘Fuge in g-minor’ from the ‘Sonata in g-minor, BMV1001’ for solo of the violin. The Fuge is combined with the Adagio that precedes the Sonata. This Adagio is a worthier companion than the Preludium it often is related to. The adaption of one of Mozarts’ pianosonatas by Leen de Broekert connects to the musical practice of the 18th century, in which harpsichord, fortepiano and the organ were not so strictly divided.
The organ in Baarland brings to life Music of de Dutch composers Charles-Joseph van Helmont (1715-1790) and Dieudonné Raick (1703-1764) and a partita of Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel (1690-1749). When he was 18 years old, Charles-Joseph van Helmont became the organ player of the Saint-Goedele-church in Brussels. In 1737 he became chapel master of the Kapelle-church in Brussels, but after 4 years he returned to the Saint-Goedele-church, where he takes care of de musical education of the choir singers, the musical performances in the church and compositions for the services, for the next 36 years. Dieudonné Raick was a priest, theologist, lawyer, but also a famous organ player. He was connected to the cathedral in Antwerp, the Saint-Peter in Leuven and the Saint-Baafskerk in Gent. A couple of attractive sonatas and suites for the harpsichord have survived. Johann Sebastian Bach knew the music of Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel and considered him as a good composer. Bach took up the partita in g-minor of Stölzel in his own-made clavierbooklet for his oldest son Wilhelm Friedemann. The partita ends with a minuet of Bach himself.
On the organ in Gapinge music of Bach and Telemann is played. This organ was private property and stands out because of its ornamentation.

external links
Visit the website of Leen de Broekert
Watch a televison news-item about this cd on the Omroep Zeeland site

press quotes:

KLASSIEKE ZAKEN De Broekerts playing is characterized by sensitivity and flexibility, fitting perfectly with the music he play. Aad Alblas

read the full review (Dutch)

PZC A gem, pure quality. Leen de Broekert performs all the compositions with a deep musical feeling. Everything sounds clear and the interpretations are subtle. With a sophisticated registration the organist shows respect for the capabilities of each of the three instruments. Jeanette Vergouwen

read the full review (Dutch)

NEDERLANDS DAGBLAD Leen de Broekert let us listen to these beautiful instruments  through a subtle and sophisticated choice of program and registration. It's not given every person to present a little nice organ in this way. Roel Sikkema

read the full review (Dutch)

KERK & MUZIEK Leen de Broekert's playing is well maintained, beautifull of toucher and very adventurous. Bart van Buitenen

read the full review (Dutch)

KERKMUZIEK Three historic organs are now highlighted and it's well done. De Broekert let us listen to the music where each organ sounds optimal. Maarten Seijbel

read the full review (Dutch)

DE ORGELVRIEND Zeeland has extraordinary and beautiful organs. Wim van der Ros

read the full article (Dutch)