Bach | Prelude and Fugue in B minor BWV 544 - James Orford, the Grand Organ of Westminster Cathedral

Johann Sebastian Bach's incredible Prelude and Fugue in B minor, performed here by James Orford on the Henry Willis III Grand Organ at Westminster Cathedral. It is a piece full of torment and anguish, but also with moments of intense joy and catharsis. Particularly appropriate for Passiontide, as there are links with the St John Passion BWV 245, most notably the big cadences in the Prelude, in which the top line is very similar to the phrase sung to the words "Es is vollbracht".

[@walterstout7014]

Great job Mr. Orford. I am going to relearn this great work this year. I especially love the wonderful fugue.

[@buttercupaz1]

Absolutely fantastic playing, most enjoyable.

[@MichaelCWBell]

There’s a remarkable breadth to this prelude; a sheer horizon in music.

[@smb123211]

The clarity is amazing - almost like a studio. And the playing is just so...magnificent, so Bachish and yet so Romantic. Great job.

[@peternaryd_operasinger]

Beautiful!👏👏👏👏👏

[@edoardoravera3719]

Complimenti!!!!! Non riesco a trovare un difetto sia nella tecnica che nel fraseggio e tantomeno nella musicalità, bravissimo🔝

[@garnettorford532]

Absolutely great playing on a fabulous organ. Thank you, James.

[@grahamtwist]

Magnificent! An outstanding performance of BWV 544, James, and the Willis organ is just amazing. Kudos to whoever was the recoding engineer as the microphone placement captures this instrument in its full glory and makes for an enthralling listening experience. Bravo!

[@user-ru8vy1uz7c]

Bravo bravo bravo

[@kamilmadon5240]

Very nice "drive", sounds in baroque style! Bravo! :)

[@jeffjensen27]

🎉🎉I Love It! 😅What A Workout 🏋️ 😂👏👏. I Love The Prelude and The Counter Part In The Fugue Is superb! . Only A Talented Organist Such As Yourself Could Have Played So Perfect 👍 🤩🤜🤛Bach Would Be Proud 🥹!

[@philipsalmon2192]

And so it is- done that is!

[@Tash24601]

Awesome! Love the video of the pedal work!

[@george88pizza43]

Stylish playing. I noticed you sped up in the fugue a little when the pedals entered and the semi quaver runs started. I like the faster tempo better so I enjoyed it even more from then on

[@Mavi98479]

Fantastic😘😘😘😘😘

[@philipsalmon2192]

Hello 👋 again

[@fredvacher3998]

Enthusiastic 🎶♥️🙏

[@Bach6032]

I'm with @jeffjensen27: Bach would have been proud!