James McVinnie brings Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental Clavier-ubung III to life in a recording that captures both it’s technical brilliance and profound spiritual depth. Bach’s 1739 collection, his first published volume of organ music, is a masterful synthesis of compositional technique, theological meditation, and musical expression. With twenty-seven works, including chorale preludes, duets, and the majestic opening Prelude and closing Fugue, the collection is a rich musical exploration of Lutheran faith, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and the artistry of counterpoint at it’s most sublime.From the intricate contrapuntal pairs of the Catechism chorales to the flowing bass lines of Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam, and the transcendent final Fugue in E flat, McVinnie navigates Bach’s towering architecture with clarity, precision, and sensitivity. This recording highlights the cosmopolitan textures, theological symbolism, and emotional resonance that make Clavier-ubung III a pinnacle of the organ repertoire. With insight drawn from decades of study and performance, McVinnie offers a journey into Bach’s musical universe, where faith, intellect, and artistry converge in works of extraordinary beauty and enduring power.James McVinnie made his PENTATONE debut in January 2025 with the album Dreamcatcher.

Tracklist:

1. Clavier-bung Iii-Praeludium Pro Organo Pleno BWV 552I
2. Clavier-bung Iii-Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit BWV 669
3. Clavier-bung Iii-Christe, Aller Welt Trost BWV 670
4. Clavier-bung Iii-Kyrie, Gott Heiliger Geist BWV 671
5. Clavier-bung Iii-Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit BWV 672
6. Clavier-bung Iii-Christe, Aller Welt Trost BWV 673
7. Clavier-bung Iii-Kyrie, Gott Heiliger Geist BWV 674
8. Clavier-bung Iii-Allein Gott in Der HH Sei Ehr BWV 675
9. Clavier-bung Iii-Allein Gott in Der HH Sei Ehr BWV 676
10. Clavier-bung Iii-Allein Gott in Der HH Sei Ehr BWV 677
11. Clavier-bung Iii-Dies Sind Die Heiligen Zehen Gebot BWV 678
12. Clavier-bung Iii-Dies Sind Die Heiligen Zehen Gebot BWV 679
13. Clavier-bung Iii-Wir Gluben All An Einen Gott BWV 680
14. Clavier-bung Iii-Wir Gluben All An Einen Gott BWV 681
15. Clavier-bung Iii-Vater Unser Im Himmelreich BWV 682
16. Clavier-bung Iii-Vater Unser Im Himmelreich BWV 683
17. Clavier-bung Iii-Christ, Unser Herr, Zum Jordan Kam BWV 684
18. Clavier-bung Iii-Christ, Unser Herr, Zum Jordan Kam BWV 685
19. Clavier-bung Iii-Aus Teifer Not Schrei Ich Zu Dir BWV 686
20. Clavier-bung Iii-Aus Teifer Not Schrei Ich Zu Dir BWV 687
21. Clavier-bung Iii-Jesus Christus, Unser Heiland, Der Von Uns Den Zorn Gottes Wandt BWV 688
22. Clavier-bung Iii-Jesus Christus, Unser Heiland BWV 689
23. Clavier-bung Iii-Duetto I
24. Clavier-bung Iii-Duetto II
25. Clavier-bung Iii-Duetto III
26. Clavier-bung Iii-Duetto IV
27. Clavier-bung Iii-Fuga a 5 Con Pedale Pro Organo Pleno BWV 552Ii

UPC: 8717306264051
Label: Pentatone
Release Date: 2.6.26
Format: CD