Xaver Varnus – Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor

An evening pause: Played on the great Sauer Organ of the Berliner Dom.

At the time of its dedication in 1905, the great Sauer Organ of the Berliner Dom was the largest in Germany, with its 7269 pipes and 113 registers, distributed across four manuals and pedals.

While not directly related to Christmas or the holidays, I think this piece is still appropriate for the season.

Hat tip Judd Clark, who adds, “Though I had reservations because of its length and because it has been subject to innumerable transcriptions and performances on different organs by different organists it has become cliché. But, it is an exceptional performance on an exceptional organ in an exceptional hall.”

J.S. Bach – Concerto No. 1 in D minor BWV 1052

An evening pause: Like the past two evening pauses this week, this also centers on a piano solo, and also takes us to an entire different musical genre. It is a bit long for a pause, but I can’t resist continuing the piano theme. You might recognize the third movement.

The soloist is 18-year-old Ignas Maknickas (who is clearly having fun), playing with Lithuania’s Ciurlionis School of Arts Symphony Orchestra.

Hat tip Todd Jones.