Organ & Interpretation - The North German school, Part 2 (Paolo Crivellaro)

Table of Contents:

8) The rhetorical element
The Dispositio  
Brief comment on rhetorical figures  
Rhetorical figures in the work of Dieterich Buxtehude 

9) Free compositions
Praeambulum and Praeludium
Toccata  
Fantasia
Fugue and Canzona 
Ostinato
Secular repertoire

10) Tempo
Alla breve and alla semibreve
Tempo markings in Michael Praetorius 
Tempo markings in Johann Mattheson
Tempo changes per verba in the repertoire 

11) Proportions
Brief comment on mensural notation 
Proportio tripla and proportio sesquialtera in the 17th century 
The decline of the proportional system  
Proportions in the North German repertoire  

12) Rythmic freedom and Stylus Phantasticus
Stylus recitativus and metric freedom
Playing con discretione
The stylus phantasticus according to Athanasius Kircher 
The stylus phantasticus according to Johann Mattheson 

13) General features of the Hanseatic organ
Organ in F and organ in C
Manual and pedal characteristics 
The Werkprinzip 
Praetorian tuning and well-tempered systems
Subsemitonien
Meantone and repertoire

14) From Niehoff to Schnitger
Stoplist composition from the mid-16th to early 18th century
Two noteworthy but little-known instruments
The principal organ builders    

Crivellaro offers a rich and insightful guide for the inquisitive organist eager to explore the many facets of the North German organ repertoire. Structured in three parts, the book leads the reader through the essential pillars of North German organ art. Extensive analyses—grounded in rhetorical and figural theory—are applied to both chorale-based and free organ works. Numerous well-chosen source quotations bring clarity and historical depth to this musical journey. A warmly recommended resource for all interpreters of this magnificent repertoire.
- PIETER VAN DIJK

This is a remarkable book, a valuable resource for the interpretation of North German organ music. It offers a wealth of information, highlighted from various angles without choosing one particular view. The author lets the sources and the literature speak for itself, so that musicians can make their own decisions. Highly recommended!
- TON KOOPMAN

Paolo Crivellaro’s volumes provide musicians with a remarkably clear, compact, and authoritative guide to the historically informed performance of the North German repertoire. They unite comprehensive coverage with a balanced, unbiased presentation, preserving the immediacy and authenticity of original languages and sources. Enriched with numerous facsimiles and practical insights, these works are an indispensable compendium of knowledge and experience by a seasoned practitioner for fellow practitioners.
- HARALD VOGEL

The knowledge currently available on North German organ culture is presented here by a distinguished scholar and excellent performer. Clearly structured and written with great sensitivity, this book invites both “Kenner und Liebhaber” [connoisseurs and enthusiasts] to deepen their understanding and appreciation of this repertoire. A major enrichment, and strongly recommended!
- WOLFGANG ZERER