JOHANN SPETH (1664-after1719): Organ Works - 10 Toccatas, 3 Partitas, 8 Magnificats.

Description: This program opens with a sequence of 10 toccatas, quite brief and owing something to the influence of contemporary southern German composers such as Georg Muffat and Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer. There follows the more Italianate strains of three ‘partitas.’ The remainder of Speth’s collection synthesizes Italian and German styles in eight Magnficats. Each of the these takes its tonal base – the equivalent of its key signature – from a different musical mode, each starting on their own note. The collection as a whole adds up to a colorful snapshot of the invention and variety of German keyboard music beyond Bach, and as a notable predecessor to the compendious ambitions of The Well-Tempered Clavier. 2 CDs. Chiara Minali (organ), Letizia Butterin (Gregorian chant in the Magnificats).