Daniel Chorzempa - Handel: Organ Concertos Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4 Vol. 1 (2002) [SACD]

Organist Daniel Chorzempa studied at the University of Minnesota from 1955-1965, then at the Staatliche Musikhochschule in Cologne before returning to Minnesota to complete his Ph.D. in 1971. He began his career as a pianist, first in Hamburg and Cologne in 1969, then in Oxford and London in 1970 and 1971; however, it was his debut as an organist in London in 1969 that gained him critical acclaim.

Chorzempa's fluent, pianistic technique has allowed him to tackle some of the more virtuosic organ works, particularly those of Liszt and Reubke. It is also his background as a pianist that has led him to make a point of playing from memory, which is rare among organists, and at one time caused something of a sensation at his recitals. His recordings, in addition to the great nineteenth century virtuoso works, also encompass many of the traditional works by Bach. Since 1970, Chorzempa has been a member of the Studio für Elektronische Musik, Cologne, where he remains active as a composer of electronic music. -- Steven Coburn