Andreas Liebig
Arp Schnitger organ – Martinikerk Groningen

The works recorded here originate from about that period when the Martini organ in Groningen was at the peak of its long history of development (1691-1740). After Jürgen Ahrend’s (Leer-Loga) excellent restoration in 1976/77 and 1983/84, this remarkable organ once again creates an overwhelming impression in the fantastic acoustical environment of the nave. The present recording attempts to do it as much justice as possible.

Brilliance, poetry and grandeur in perfect harmony – that is the triad which makes this world-famous instrument a queen among organs. Playing this organ is a festival in itself! Its wonderfully sensitive action allows the instrument to immediately respond to the musician’s impulses. In happy moments of inspiration, the gap between the concept and the practical implementation is closed, music, instrument and player become one.

" I have listened with great interest and admiration to the remarkable recording of Bach works made by Andreas Liebig on the magnificent organ in Martini church.
His interpretation is full of emotion, poetry and sense for the Grandeur.
This is one of the most beautiful organ discs, and one of the most beautiful discs of Bach I know."
Prof. Bernard Lagacé, Montréal , Canada

"I'm delighted to have your recording – thank you so much! It sounds terrific – and on a superb organ. Congratulations! "
Dame Gillian Weir, London

"Your cd is 'wunderbar'! I have particularly enjoyed the Passacaglia and the Trio, but also the Sarabande + Variations. … All the registrations are very effective and well balanced and it is so good that they are noted down in the cd booklet. The liner notes are very thought-provoking, too."
Thomas Trotter, Birmingham/Windsor

"I greatly enjoyed listening to the CD and appreciated your fine interpretations very much."
Prof. Dr. Kimberly Marshall Phoenix/Arizona

Zur Passacaglia: "...eine außergewöhnliche Leistung. Technisch, und auch künstlerisch! Ein Aufbau, der einen vom Stuhl reißt. Wirklich: Gratulation! Sehr schöne CD!!!"
Prof. Zsigmond Szathmáry, Freiburg

"Herzlichen Dank für die wunderbare Aufführung auf der CD. Die ist schon in meinem i-Pod und immer mit mir."
Masaaki Suzuki

"Eine wunderschöne CD, der ich mit großem Vergnügen gelauscht habe."
Prof. Dr. Ludger Lohmann, Stuttgart

"Wunderschön!"
Prof. Lorenzo Ghielmi, Milano

"...His playing is powerful, elastic and differentiated, which also presents the Prelude and Fugue in E-flat major in a positive light. This is an important CD...
The broad torrent of new recordings of Bach’s organ works will never run dry. And there are some truly major figures amongst those organists who have occupied themselves with these works during the past months. For this reason, it is well worth having a look at the current standard of interpretation.
.. Andreas Liebig has come out with another recording. He makes use of the magnificent Schnitger organ of St. Martin’s Church in Groningen, which has a truly unbelievable full organ that is completely transparent despite all grandeur. Liebig celebrates the work (Passacaglia in C minor) on the principals up until about halfway through; he then changes sonorities more frequently, moving towards the full organ as his goal. In the rarely played 'Sarabanda con partitis' in C major, BWV 990, the authenticity of which is debated, Liebig presents the entire range of colours in all their richness. His playing is powerful, elastic and differentiated, which also presents the Prelude and Fugue in E-flat major in a positive light. This is an important CD."
Michael Gassmann Fono Forum 10/05 (p. 77)

"Eine engagierte, beseelte Begegnung von Instrument, Musik und Interpreten, dazu angetan, Begeisterung für die Kostbarkeiten von Bachs Orgelmusik zu wecken ... "
Prof. Dr. Matthias Schneider, Musik und Kirche 3-2006
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"… les interprétations d’Andreas Liebig respirent une bonne et vigoureuse santé, et transmettent parfaitement le sentiment de plaisir qu’il avoue éprouver aux claviers de ce grand orgue historique. Il joue avec un grand calme, maîtrise tous les aspects de l’art subtil de l’articulation et du phrasé, sait utiliser autant l’orgue en un instrument puissant que comme un serviteur discret de la musique de chambre. Après avoir évoqué toutes les complexités possibles de la musique de Bach, il nous la présente avec la plus évidente simplicité: du grand art!"
Jean Ferrard, Magazine de l’Orgue (91/2007)

"Deine Platte ist sehr schön! Und sehr persönlich. Besonders die Passacaglia: Die Freiheit in der Agogik und der Aufbau, wobei
z.B. die Verstärkung beim Eintritt des 10. „statement“ stark wirkt.
„O Mensch“ berührt und die Triosonate ist brillant. Meine Gratulation!"
Prof. Piet Kee, Haarlem

"Eine sehr schöne Aufnahme. Hervorragend!"
Robert von Bahr (BIS)

The Main organ of St. Martin’s Church in Groningen – Brief Chronology

1450: Construction of a great organ
1482: Reconstruction on the basis of the existing Gothic organ, presumably by Johan then Damme (with the famous humanist Rudolf Agricola as his adviser)
1542: Alteration in Renaissance style
1564: Enlargement by Andreas de Mare
1627-28: Enlargement by Anthoni and Adam Verbeeck
1685-90: Alterations by Jan Helman
1691-92: Reconstrustion and enlargement (32' pedal towers) by Arp Schnitger
1728-30: Alterations and enlargement (new Rugpositief) by Frans Caspar Schnitger and Albertus Anthoni Hinsz
1740: Large-scale repairs required because of subsidence, simultaneous enlargement (seven new stops) by Hinsz
1808-1912: Numerous modifications by Lohman, van Oeckelen and Doornbos
1938-39: Alterations (electrical action and re-voicing) by J. de Koff
1971: Dismantlement for restoration
1976/77 & 1983/84: Restoration, partial reconstruction by Jürgen Ahrend from Leer-Loga (based on the 1740 configuration), adviser: Cor H. Edskes