J.S. Bach | Sinfonia to Cantata No. 29 'We Thank Thee, God' | Hauptwerk Virtual Pipe Organ

This is one of Bach's most well-known pieces. Originally arranged for orchestra, this transcription for organ is by Robert Hebble. Several other transcriptions exist, perhaps the most notable of which is by Marcel Dupré. This piece does not stop to take a breather once it gets going. This creates a perpetual motion effect that is both fun to listen to and brutal on the performer.

This recording is made using the virtual Father Willis organ in Salisbury Cathedral by Milan Digital Audio. At the time of writing, only the first volume out of a planned three is available. Fortunately, the first volume has a specification that works very well for this piece.

[rh]

There are several performances of this piece available on Youtube, by some of the greatest organists in the world. Yet I continue to return to this performance, which is arguably one of the very best.

[larryhagemann]

This remains the best performance of this classic. Each note is heard and enjoyed, and not blurred by speed. Well done.

[zackparsons]

Such clean technique - beautiful hand position - elegant in every respect.

[paulpage]

Wonderful performance in every possible way. The Hauptwerk system is capable of producing such authentic-sounding acoustics, but I have no doubt that it is shone to its most-superlative degree because of Rob’s sensitivity and his playing technique. Recording direct to digital provides a clarity seldom (if ever) achievable in an acoustic setting and is absolutely satisfying. Pipe organ “purists” might find issue, but one cannot logically argue negatively about the results Mr. Stefanussen has achieved here and in many of his other outstanding recordings. J.S. Bach is smiling, to be sure!

[azapachekid]

Blessed are the music makers, they shall have a song in both heart and mind.

[bestminstrel]

You are truly incredible, it is always a pleasure to watch other organists who play at a high caliber. Thank-you so much for sharing all of your talents, you truly are a blessing!
Grace and peace,
~Dan~

[theremin]

Very nice playing. And I like the fact that you dress appropriately for your videos instead of wearing ratty jeans and a stained t-shirt. Very classy.

[davebrown]

LOVE THIS GUY, WHAT MUSICAL TALENT HE HAS !!!

[claudemichel]

Sublime interprétation, félicitations. Un bel hommage à J.S.Bach.

[tonysimulinas]

I have no words I've so enjoyed all your offerings that I can't possibly pick a favorite, however, being an organist myself, this comes awfully close !!!

[josephmarchesani]

I listened to several versions of this piece and I, by far, enjoy your rendition. Good tempo and expression ... joyful and dynamic ... really love the Hauptwerk ... your reverence for the music and its intention really shine through ... PEACE!

[henrybird]

Well played! I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for putting it on the web.

[stefanussen]

@motnurkep Hi Tom, the sound is recorded directly to disk. The organ does sound good through the speakers, but for something like this, there's no need to record the sound coming out of the speakers since it can be recorded directly.

[yuvan]

WOW WONDERFUL, THANK YOU AND THANK GOD FOR J S BACH

[wfhausler]

Thank you so much, Rob. Hearing you play is like getting a gift.

[charlesdavis]

Why do I love this piece so much? I listen to it... all the And to all the kids and experts who play this work. I love it. Haven't heard the E. Power Biggs version, yet. Or my own.

[Jazzid]

I absolutely love this performance! I've probably listened to it 20 times, and the sound, the bass, the registrations, the reverb and of course the playing grips me! Thank you for sharing! I've listened to many performances of this piece, and my favorite is found on "Switched on Bach", the runner-up is this! Thank you, and keep up your wonderful musical journey! Keep sharing!

[pontus]

A brilliant rendition! Thanks for sharing your talent. A very measured and sympathetic tempo and beautifully registered. Can't mistake the sound of a Willis. Bravo!

[ninjaassassin]

Your technique is absolutely wonderful, and your playing reflects it with such fine control over clarity.

[scottpeel]

What a great instrument to practice and even perform on. I need to get one of these. The playing itself sounds so fantastic. I listen to this while playing games and completely forget this done on a digital instrument.