Fuge a la Gigue BWV 577

Bach's famous 'Jig' Fugue has to be one of the most enjoyable pieces in the organ repertoire to perform. In this bravura piece, with its virtuosic pedal line, Bach works the rhythm into something of a frenzy, showing a mastery which Buxtehude didn't quite achieve in his own famous setting (BuxWV 174).

Much recorded, this version is perhaps a little slower than many but I hope it allows the voices to speak clearly into the acoustic, (much like Ton Koopman does in his recordings) whilst capturing the essence of the lively jig. Some versions, I think, might be impossibly fast to dance with!

The Engler organ of Krzeszów Basilica is a beautiful instrument and, to my mind, well suited to the music of Bach. The meantone temperament also adds a lovely harmonic richness to the central section of this fabulous piece.