COMPOSERS: Pachelbel
LABELS: Harmonia Mundi Suite
WORKS: Hexachordum Apollinis; Chaconne in D; Chaconne in F minor
PERFORMER: John Butt (organ)
CATALOGUE NO: HMT 7907029
John Butt’s keen advocacy of repertoire that lies outside more familiar pathways reaps rich rewards here. Pachelbel’s music is both well-crafted and free of the stylistic clichés which affect music of lesser contemporary composers and Butt brings both a scholarly insight and an acute musical perception to his performances. His articulation is never less than exemplary, lending the music a feeling of lightness and vitality, especially in the faster variations in
the two Chaconnes. The playing is supported by bright, if close-up, recorded sound. Stephen Haylett