Nicola Dolci - Cantus Firmus: Bach and his Mentors (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Praeludium in E Minor
02. Ciacona in E Minor BUXWV 160
03. Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her
04. Praeludium in C Major
05. Capriccio XI con l'obbligo di cantare la quinta parte, F 4.11 (Il primo libro di Capricci, 1624)
06. Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her, per canones, BWV 769a: I. Canon all' ottava
07. Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her, per canones, BWV 769a: II. Canon alla quinta
08. Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her, per canones, BWV 769a: III. Canto fermo in canone, alla sesta e al rovescio
09. Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her, per canones, BWV 769a: IV. Canon alla settima
10. Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her, per canones, BWV 769a: V. Canon per augmentationem à zwei clav. Et pedal
11. Praeludium et fuga in E Minor, BWV 548: I. Praeludium
12. Praeludium et fuga in E Minor, BWV 548: II. Fuge

This new recording celebrates the Arp Schnitger Organ in the Martinikerk in Groningen, The Netherlands, one of the most famous Baroque organs in Europe. Built by master organ builder Arp Schnitger between 1691 and 1692, it showcases his characteristic North German style, known for its brilliant, articulate sound and richly layered pipework. Over the centuries, the instrument has been expanded and restored, yet its original tonal structure remains remarkably intact. Today, it features an impressive array of stops, three manuals, and a powerful pedal division. Its majestic sound and historical significance continue to attract musicians, scholars, and visitors from around the world.
The program presents works by Johann Sebastian Bach, in connection with Bach’s predecessors, composers who influenced and inspired him: Girolamo Frescobaldi (Capriccio XI), Nicholaus Bruhns (Praeludium in E minor), Dietrich Buxtehude (Ciacona in E minor), and Georg Böhm (Choralvorpsiel, Preludium in C major).
A beautifully compiled program, offering a journey over the musical path which ultimately led to the towering genius of Johann Sebastian Bach!
Organist, composer, and conductor, Nicola Dolci has an active international concert career, both as a soloist and as an organist, conductor, and continuo player with various European ensembles. He is professor of Organ at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome and at the “Scuola Diocesana di musica Santa Cecilia” in Brescia. Among his various national and international awards are the Second Prize at the prestigious International Martini Organ Competition 2022 in Groningen.