The Clavier-Übung of Krebs is a collection of 39 pieces based upon 13 favorite chorales of the 18th century. This succession of short pieces provides ample material to bring the tonal resources of Pehr Schiorlin’s organ to life. A favorite instrument of Albert Schweitzer, the organ of Gammalkil, Sweden is heard here on CD for the first time.
"Fascinating Krebs in Gammalkil...The performance is convincing, sensitive, and restrained, all details and ornaments chiseled with the utmost care. Very enjoyable! ... In this recording, the beautiful sound and high quality of the Gammalkil organ is at last given full justice. We find here as exquisite blend of improvisation, chamber music, and church music.The recording is warmly recommended!" ORGELFORUM 2001
"The KrebsClavier-Übung (1752-53) is a collection of 39 pieces based on 13 familiar German chorales, each triple in the form Praeambulum-Chorale- Chorale alio modo, the "Chorale" being actually a chorale-prelude in the form of a bicinium or tricinium. In some instances the Praeambulum is the onlgest and most elaborate of the movements; in others it has the feelings of a genuine prelude to what follows. One hears echoes of Krebs’ mentor, J.S. Bach, but these pieces have intrinsic interest, vitality, and originality. All of the movements are suitable for parish use, whether in the tripartite form or excerpted. The recordings was made on the II/32 1806 Pehr Schiörlin organ (restored 1948 and 1996) in Gammalkil, Sweden, a gem in tonal quality and intimacy. Bill Porter plays with consummate mastery and displays the solo and ensemble colors of the organ to admirable effect. Complete registrations are given in the liner notes. According to the notes, the microphone placement was carefully balanced; the result is most effective sound." The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians - October 2001
"...Porter marries technical prowess and absolute clarity of line with a deep sense of the expressive possibilities of the music before him. In other hands this music might not be so compelling or captivating. But Porter makes the best of cases for it. He is helped by a marvelously clear and present recording of a characterful Swedish organ (from 1806 by Pehr Schörlin), lyrical in the individual stops and powerful in the pleno. All in all, a model for organ recordings. A fine disc, which should be of wide interest." Fanfare - January 2002