Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV565

Sonata in G BWV530

Herr Christ, der ein'ge Gottessohn BWV601

O Mensch, bewein' dein' Sunde gross BWV622

Heut' triumphieret Gottes Sohn BWV630

Dies sind die heiligen zehn Gebot BWV679

Vater unser im Himmelreich BWV682

Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam BWV684

Prelude and Fugue in C BWV547 - Bach

Desmond Hunter's organ recital at St Michael's Church, Dun Laoghaire on Sunday night had many of the best things one would hope for from a scholar-performer. Deep understanding was shown in his independent approach to each piece in an all-Bach programme, and in the way he presented music that had its origins outside the organ.

The Sonata in G BWV530 was played with an independence of line that one associates with a trio of players. The lively discourse was epitomised in the first movement by the way figures were articulated differently on repetition, and in the slow movement by the independent tread of the bass beneath the aria-like duet in the manuals.

The programme included four preludes from the Orgelbuchlein and three from Clavierubung III. In the plain cantus firmus settings, shaping was led by the chorale melody, which is probably the way things would have been in Bach's day, but is not easy to do when the surrounding material is so elaborate. In that respect, Vater unser im Himmelreich BWV682 was a gem of resourceful playing and registration.

The only piece that I found unconvincing was the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV565, which sounds best when done more recklessly than on this occasion. But the Prelude and Fugue in C BWV547 was excellent. Even though the tempo was steady, this top-quality music brimmed with energy, thanks to fine timing and truly independent part-writing.

Series ends next Sunday at 8.30 p.m., with Gerard Gillen (organ) and Emmanuel Lawler (tenor); to book, phone 01-2804969