CD 1:
01. Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 538 - I. Toccata (05:32)
02. Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 538 - II. Fugue (07:50)
03. Trio Sonata No. 1 in E flat major, BWV 525 - I. (Allegro) (03:07)
04. Trio Sonata No. 1 in E flat major, BWV 525 - II. Adagio (07:50)
05. Trio Sonata No. 1 in E flat major, BWV 525 - III. Allegro (04:02)
06. Trio Sonata No. 2 in C minor, BWV 526 - I. Vivace (03:57)
07. Trio Sonata No. 2 in C minor, BWV 526 - II. Largo (03:52)
08. Trio Sonata No. 2 in C minor, BWV 526 - III. Allegro (04:30)
09. Trio Sonata No. 3 in D minor, BWV 527 - I. Andante (06:11)
10. Trio Sonata No. 3 in D minor, BWV 527 - II. Adagio e dolce (06:29)
11. Trio Sonata No. 3 in D minor, BWV 527 - III. Vivace (04:01)
12. Trio in D minor, BWV 583 (05:29)

CD 2:
01. Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C major, BWV 564 - I. Toccata (05:55)
02. Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C major, BWV 564 - II. Adagio (04:34)
03. Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C major, BWV 564 - III. Fugue (05:03)
04. Organ Sonata No.4 in E minor, BWV 528 - I. Adagio - Vivace (03:10)
05. Organ Sonata No.4 in E minor, BWV 528 - II. Andante (05:48)
06. Organ Sonata No.4 in E minor, BWV 528 - III. Un poco Allegro (02:45)
07. Organ Sonata No.5 in C major, BWV 529 - I. Allegro (05:14)
08. Organ Sonata No.5 in C major, BWV 529 - II. Largo (06:04)
09. Organ Sonata No.5 in C major, BWV 529 - III. Allegro (04:04)
10. Organ Sonata No.6 in G major, BWV 530 - I. Vivace (04:11)
11. Organ Sonata No.6 in G major, BWV 530 - II. Lente (08:15)
12. Organ Sonata No.6 in G major, BWV 530 - III. Allegro (03:52)
13. Canzona in D minor, BWV 588 (07:12)

"Bach - Sonatas" is the fourth recording in Kare Nordstoga's series of Bach's complete organ works. The main works on this double-CD are the six "Trio Sonatas". As a definitive collection of etudes, the trio sonatas are for classical organists what Czerny's studies are for pianists. Playing the organ requires the ability to manoeuvre independent lines in both hands and the pedals, and this is perfected playing Bach's sonatas. In the words of Bach connoisseur Albert Schweitzer: To this very day they are the Gradus ad Parnassum for every organist. Whoever has studied them thoroughly will thereafter encounter scarcely a single difficulty. The slightest unevenness in touch is heard with appalling clearness in this complicated trio playing.

The sonatas are a book of study not only for performers, but for composers as well. Bach's private lessons for gifted students required a repertoire for the study of the noble art of polyphony.

At the same time, this is concert music and art in its full complexity, where the art of polyphony is cultivated alongside the most moving melodie.

KARE NORDSTOGA - ORGAN Kare Nordstoga (b. 1954) studied at the Norwegian Academy of Music under Soren Gangflot, Bjorn Boysen, and Kaare Ornung, among others. Following his debut concert in 1978, he continued his studies under David Sanger in London, and he was for a time organist at Ullern Church, before coming to Oslo Cathedral in 1984. He has also been associated with the Norwegian Academy of Music, where he was appointed professor in 1994.

As cathedral organist at Oslo Cathedral, Nordstoga frequently performs a large repertoire, which has included two popular concert series with Bach's complete organ works. His recordings include the organ music of Bach, Brahms, Franck, Widor, and Liszt, all of Bach's violin sonatas recorded on the cathedral's chancel organ in collaboration with violinist Geir Inge Lotsberg, as well as several recordings of Norwegian organ music.

Norwegian organ music. Nordstoga is an active concert organist. In recent years he has been soloist with the symphony orchestras of Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, and he has been invited to organ festivals abroad, including Aarhus, Notre Dame in Paris, and Musashino Cultural Center in Tokyo. In 2006 he was awarded the Lindeman Prize for his active contribution to musical life.

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Arp Schnitger organ, Hauptkirche St. Jacobi, Hamburg, Recording: St. James' Church, Hamburg