Mark Steinbach, 1755 Gottfried Silbermann organ in Dresden Cathedral

Raven ★★★

This was Silbermann’s last organ, situated high in the west gallery, last renovated by Jehmlich and Kristian Wegscheider in 2001-2, and with outstandingly resonant acoustics. Undoubtedly, Equal Temperament (not Silbermann’s!) enabled Steinbach to record this varied programme of Bach (BWV 542, 572, three Orgelbüchlein and one Schübler chorale preludes), Buxtehude, Heiller, Eric Nathan, Wang Lu and Messiaen’s Le Banquet Celeste, the latter sounding very well. Nathan’s and Lu’s pieces are long and improvisatory, lacking musical development, but BWV 542 is a fine performance, although the ‘gravement’ section of BWV 572 lacks clarity with the manual 16’. The recording catches both organ and building very well.

This review originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Choir & Organ magazine. Never miss an issue – subscribe today