Jonathan Dimmock - Superb Mendelssohn Organ Sonatas

Jonathan Dimmock Brilliantly Performs Organ Masterworks Regarded as the Finest Examples of Classical German Organ Literature

An international powerhouse, Jonathan Dimmock has been hailed by the Eskilstuna-Kuriren (Sweden) for "power and flaming brio," cited by the Natal Mercury (South Africa) for "musicianship, taste, and unostentatious virtuosity," and described by the Adelaide Advertiser (Australia) as playing in such a way that "the organ has rarely sounded more clear and multi-hued than in his very expert and virtuoso hands and feet”.  It is no surprise that Dimmock became the first American ever to hold the prestigious position of Organ Scholar of Westminster Abbey.

In this superb Loft recording, Dimmock captures the very essence of Mendelssohn’s Sonatas – strength and beauty.  From the full and dramatic F minor chords of the opening sonata to the toccata-style final variation of “Vater unser im Himmelreich” (Sonata 6), to the simply-stated, soft chorale (“Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh’ allzeit”) in Sonata 1, Dimmock grabs hold of the listener with his emotional insight and breathtaking intensely. 

This recording features the 1787 Holzhey organ in the Abbey church of Weißenau.  This beautiful Bavarian organ is a true Classical instrument placed in a stunning acoustical setting.  It has a unique and soothing tonal quality.  Its three manuals and pedal are in original condition, with many warm 8 foot flues, very supportive bass, and original strings and celestas.  It is strong without being strident, warm without being muddy and clear without being self-consciously bright.

Jonathan Dimmock has distinguished himself on Loft Recordings with the music of Sweelinck on mean-tone organs of Holland and Sweden, Messiaen on the Cavaillé-Coll organ of Notre-Dame d'Auteuil, Paris, and a mixed concert at the massive Aeolian-Skinner organ of St. John the Divine in New York.  Dimmock is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory, Yale School of Music and Yale Divinity School.  After his time at Westminster Abbey, he served two American cathedrals, St. John the Divine in New York City and St. Mark's in Minneapolis.  Dimmock now resides in California serving as Organist of St. Ignatius Church (San Francisco), Organist of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, Organist of Congregation Sherith Israel (San Francisco), and Organist for the San Francisco Symphony. With the San Francisco Symphony he participated in the Grammy award-winning CD recording of Mahler's Eighth Symphony (Classical Album of the year for 2009).
Orgelsonaten, Opus 65