Susanne Kujala: Bach On Porthan Organ

The Finland based German organist Susanne Kujala has gained the reputation to be one of Finlands most outstanding organists. Contemporary music is an essential part of her work: she has premiered over 50 works and two, soon three concertos. Like contemporary music sometimes does, the organ works of J. S. Bach felt very modern to the people of his time. Bachs works are still fresh and inspiring as the program of this album proves. Bach on Porthan Organ continues Susanne Kujalas series of introducing Finlands organs to a larger audience. Her debut release Organ Triptychon was recorded on three significant instruments of Helsinki. This new album features the Porthan Organ of St. Lawrence Church in Janakkala. The series is to be continued with her upcoming release Finnish Organ Music of the 21th Century, which has been recorded already on the organs of Turku Cathedral, Helsinki Kallio and St. Pauls Church. Organ builder Martti Porthan made the organ building style of the German Baroque alive in Finland. All main features of the Porthan organ of St. Lawrence in Janakkala are based on the famous Hu Schnitger organ of Ss. Cosmae et Damiani in Stade. This album is the 25th anniversary recording of the Porthan organ, which was built in 1993.