This historic organ (47/III), tuned at A466 in the original organ builder’s own temperament, was reconstructed in 2004-7 and seems a perfect instrument for these sonatas. The recording is very well balanced between detail (the voicing of each pipe is clearly heard) and the church’s ambient acoustic. Bergwerff’s tempi sound natural and unforced with no hint of undue haste, and his sensitive articulation gives a fluent sense of movement, although I disagree with some cross-beat phrasing in the first movement of No 5. This organ has so much character, quite different from the refined consistency of many of today’s ‘versatile’ organs, and the affection for this wonderful music is beautifully projected in the playing, giving these Sonatas a rare stature. Highly recommended.

★★★★★