It is finished. Peter Kofler’s grand Bach passion has reached its sonorous finale. Only six years after its inception in 2017, the native of Bolzano finalizes his complete recording at the four-manual Rieger organ of the Jesuit Church of St. Michael’s in Munich. Not only has this ambitious project set entirely new standards in recording engineering, but simultaneously it connects the spirited joy of a historically informed approach and the tonal possibilities of modern organ building. For – unlike other complete recordings of Bach’s organ works – this one does not rely on historical organs, but utilizes a single modern instrument – namely the organ that has been Kofler’s musical home since 2008, so rich in colors that he himself describes this richness as almost inexhaustible. Kofler takes advantage of this fascinating range by tirelessly contriving ever fresh combinations of sounds and register, which perfectly unfurl and reinforce the character of every single piece. The final CD – number 16 – ends with a track in radiant D major, the very essence of joy and gratitude in Kofler’s Bachian cosmos.
Recording produced in Dolby Atmos technology This organ production uses the high-resolution Dolby Atmos technology for the first time. It allows the church interior to be authentically reflected not only in its horizontal dimensions but also in its vertical acoustics, its height. Even conventional stereo CDs benefit from this recording technique, which provides the listener with a fascinating transparency and spatial resolution. Streaming in Dolby Atmos at Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music HD.
“Everybody who has enjoyed this sound experience even just once will share my enthusiasm. However, what I consider the center of this project is neither the modern organ nor the sound engineering, but purely and simply Johann Sebastian Bach’s music.“ Peter Kofler
Press review
Classical Music Sentinel
It's without a doubt a pleasure to listen to from start to finish. Jean-Yves Duperron, February 2024
American Record Guide
The organ tone as heard here is highly congenial. It is rich, refined, and somewhat dark. July/August 2024
Opus HD e-magazine
Here is a sonic and musical wonder on CD. Jean-Jacques Millo, 25 février 2024
MusicWebInternational.com
The final CD contains the chorale arrangement "Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr" (All glory be to God on high) and ends with the Prelude and Fugue in D major, BWV 532, both works which embody "the very essence of joy and gratitude". A fitting ending to a magnificent project. Stephen Greenbank, March 31, 2024