This is a relatively short disc (at just over 50 minutes) that collects all of 4 of Becker's organ works.

The works are not presented in chronological order of composition but this:
Drei kleine Orchelstucke (1978)
A la memoire de Josquin (1975)
Interpolationen (1993)
Metereon fur Orgel, Schlagzeug und zweikanaliges Tonband (1969)
Of course it is easy to listen to Becker's development as a composer by programming the player.

The 3 small organ pieces are the shortest works (both individually and collectively) on the disc and comprise 2 meditations that frame a central litany. Most interesting is the second meditation where tonality "battles" with atonality in the form of loud clusters. The Josquin inspired work of 1975 is a highly stimulating mix of quotations from the masses of Josquin and is used (like the second meditation) to provide tonal centres around which much atonal instability trying to unpick the thread of Josquin's inspirations.

The work interpolations was written as a free toccata; it could put one in mind of how an avant-garde Bach might have approached such a genre. In Metereon (arguably the most stimulating and memorable work presented here), Becker once again turns to religious music as his inspiration and the tape excerpts are from the rites of the Greek Orthodox Church. Adding in percussive effects (very well rendered by Christian Roderburg) enhances the mood of the work which is suitably reflective and expansive.

The performances by Martin Schmeding are excellent and he draws quite extraordinary sounds from the Sauer organ (2004) of the Evangelische Auferstehungskirche, Dusseldorf-Oberkassel many of which I have not heard the like of before. For those who always wonder why some stops are labelled with various wind, brass or string instruments this recording and music make it understandable more than the vast majority (if not all) of the organ repertoire. Comprehensive notes are, as normal, supplied on the composer, the works and the performers (as well as details for the organ).

Cybele's sound is very good indeed, giving a clear sound allied to a generous acoustic - no mean feat for most churches.

For admirers of modern organ music, this disc demands to be heard.

Copyright © 2010 John Broggio and HRAudio.net

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