To mark its 20th anniversary, the Festival International Bach Montrรฉal launches an exceptional four-year series of 16 concerts dedicated to the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The inaugural recital is entrusted to Christian Schmitt (Germany), one of the most prominent concert organists of his generation, a winner of ten national and international competitions whose discography spans more than 35 recordings.
The programme opens with the Fantasia in C minor (BWV 562), followed by seven Choral Preludes from the Orgelbรผchlein for Pentecost (BWV 631โ637). The recital continues with the Prelude and Fugue in F minor (BWV 534), two shorter chorale preludes โ "In dulci jubilo" (BWV 729) and "From high above, that's I come from" (BWV 738) โ and the Trio Sonata No. 3 in D minor (BWV 527). The concert concludes with the monumental Toccata and Fugue in F major (BWV 540).
The performance takes place on the majestic Rudolf von Beckerath organ at Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal. A large screen projection will enhance the experience for the audience. The recital will be hosted by Vincent Boucher.
Christian Schmitt is a lecturer at the Internationale Bach Akademie in Stuttgart and serves as technical advisor for the organ at the Stiftung Berliner Philharmoniker. He performs regularly in the world's leading concert halls and at major international festivals.
This concert is presented in partnership with Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal and is the first of 16 recitals that will bring together interpreters of Bach's organ works from eight countries over four years.