Kay Johannsen, Orgel

International Organ Summer

Closing concert of the International Organ Summer 2025

Johann Sebastian Bach Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor BWV 582
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Adagio and Fugue in C minor KV 546 (arranged for organ)
Marco Enrico Bossi Thème et Variations
Louis Vierne Prélude de Sergei Rachmaninoff
Kay Johannsen Blue, White, Black, Red (UA) - Free Improvisation

The spectrum of emotions assigned to the key of C minor by music theorists from the 17th to the 19th century is vast. It ranges from the "sad" (Rousseau, 1691) to the "furious, raging" (Quantz, 1752). Is it a coincidence that both Bach and Mozart chose this key for their highly complex fugues in BWV 582 and KV 546? In terms of expression, Rachmaninoff's famous Prélude in C sharp minor, perfectly adapted for the organ by Vierne, is a perfect match. Bossi's Variations are more cheerful and virtuosic. At the end of the organ summer, Kay Johannsen launches a new composition inspired by colors - and of course he also improvises.