Praeludium D-moll

Not much is known about the Polish composer Jan Podbielski (Johannis Podbielski). He probably lived in Königsberg (now Královec) in the 17th century. This prelude comes from the Warsaw organ tabulature, full of fine Polish organ pieces. Although many pieces are not signed by Podbielski in this tabulature, it could be that some or many of these pieces are actually from his hand.

I used a full coupled plenum in this recording. The full pedal on this organ can't compete with the full manual plenum regarding decibels, so in some parts I play the bass note both on the manual and in the pedals. Take note of the beautiful and somewhat threatening bass line in the first half of the piece.

Recorded on the beta version of the surround set of the Heilig-Geist-Orgel, built by K.J. Riepp, in Ottobeuren.