CHRISTOPHER WRENCH
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... unfailing musicality, an impeccable sense of style ...
... a wonderful musical experience.

ORGAN AUSTRALIA, Nov 2006

Bach Organ Sonatas    Melba SACD

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Beautifully crafted, and intelligently played
   Classic FM Magazine (UK) - ‘Presenter’s Choice’, Feb 2010


Wrench tackles these tricky trios with agility, grace,
deftness, clarity, crispness, control and style.
... exceptional performances on an outstanding instrument.  
  

   The American Organist, Aug 2010

This goes right to the top of the list for these works
   Audiophile Audition (USA), May 2010

Wrench has scored, in terms of commitment, energy,
musical poise,
and ... sheer joy in music-making - an unequivocal triumph.

   Fanfare (USA), Feb 2010

a perfection of execution that is jaw-dropping ... the musical beauty of these gems shines through ...
Wrench achieves the Holy Grail of trio performance ... Brilliant music, brilliantly performed.

   Church Music Quarterly (UK), June 2013

grippingly consistent and infectious ...

   SA-CD.net , June 2013                                                                             Click here for more reviews (and full texts) at MELBA RECORDINGS

from CONCERT REVIEWS

... a wonderful musical experience ...
Organ Australia, 2018
His is the bold and determined approach of a perfectionist, whose superb artistic quality is balanced by an extraordinary technique.
Organ Australia, Dec 2013

… impeccably executed and engagingly introduced. (Wrench’s) playing is packed with searing intellect, dissecting and polishing every nuance of every phrase.
The nature of the music, filled with Bach’s focus on the Almighty, was an intense affair, marked with Wrench’s marvellous musicianship, an abiding sense of architecture and, it seems paradoxical to say amidst such rigour, an expressive freedom of phrasing.

Stage Diary, 2005 (John Colwill)
His playing demonstrates unfailing musicality, an impeccable sense of style, and admirable interpretation. Enjoyment was enhanced by his engaging introductions  … a wonderful musical experience.
Organ Australia, 2006
A recital of exceptional quality and musicianship … an evening of superbly executed music-making … Wrench’s well-judged tempi were an object lesson in achieving that elusive mixture of élan and composure that is demanded by so much of Bach’s organ repertoire.
In the Pipeline (WA), 2000
Spirited, articulate, exuberant …
interpretation was masterly …
wonderfully expressive … effortless

Organ Australia, Dec 2012
A true master of the organ
Wrench’s playing is characterised by a fine musical spirit, an exquisite sense of sound, and a superior technique  …  a deeply satisfying evening …  Bach’s 6th Trio Sonata played with heavenly poise …  Mendelssohn’s d-minor Sonata – it could not have been done better than this … Bach’s Passacaglia & Fugue in c – technical and rhythmic perfection …
Dagbladet Sorø (DK), 2003
Outstanding Organ recital
... Wrench may be regarded as a true virtuoso.  His interpretations called upon the wealth of his resources as a performer ... His command is just as amazing as his individuality of expression.

Delmenhorster Kreisblatt (BRD), 1988

Wrench proved wholly sensitive to his surroundings and listeners with every note ... His empathy with the organ’s romantic repertoire is palpable and his ability to manage brilliantly the intricacies of Romantic rubato permeated almost his entire program of easy-on-the-ear popular perennials that entertained as well as informed ...  John Ireland’s little Capriccio was huge fun as it tripped along between nonchalant humour and breezy brilliance … Wammes’ recently popular minimalist Miroir was equally entrancing with its slight, sweet-toned breathy innocence.

Wrench also handles lengthy narratives with ease. Guilmant’s expansive Sonata in d ended this recital with all the French élan, swagger and sheer brilliance ... Wrench was persuasive whether in its lyrical or bombastic moments, always illuminating its declamatory style with colourful, creative sonorities ... Franck’s Choral in E made a big lasting impression as Wrench got past the instrument’s mechanics to its heart.  Franck would have been delighted with that.
Adelaide Advertiser, May 2017
Perfect palette from lofty heights
…Wrench managed to create an almost psychedelic palatte with his instrument.  His registration and fingerwork, his pacing and phrasing revealed a truly personalized yet idiomatic reading of this well-worn score [Messiaen La Nativité] … The few hundred souls seeking refuge in the cool sanctuary of St John's were rewarded with a memorable pre-Christmas gift of unalloyed delight and refreshed wonderment.
The Australian, Dec 2000
... a superbly intelligent and musical performance … Clearly the performer, music and organ worked as one and reached a state of affinity which allows the auditor to completely relax and absorb what JSB was transmitting.  This level of interpretation is rarely heard in concert, and not often via recorded medium.  
Organo Pleno, 2000
… the absolute highlight [of the 2007 OHTA Conference] was Christopher Wrench’s Buxtehude and Langlais recital on the QPAC Klais where the almost demonic intensity of his rendition of Langlais’ was beyond nail-biting.
Sydney Organ Journal, Autumn 2008
  • Home
  • About
    • REVIEWS
    • PROGRAMS
  • CALENDAR
    • St Mary's
    • Bach's Birthday
    • 2024 >
      • Bach Meditation
      • All Stops Out
      • Cambridge
      • Lund
      • Randers
      • Münster
      • Mariager
      • Sydney
      • Brisbane BCH
      • Beenleigh
      • Brisbane City Hall
      • QPAC 31 Oct
    • 2023 >
      • Brisbane City Hall 3
      • Brisbane City Hall 2
      • Christ Church
      • Murwillumbah
      • Brisbane City Hall 1
    • 2022 >
      • Melbourne (Scot's Church)
      • Brisbane City Hall
      • Ballina
      • Christ Church - Chamber
      • Wesley, CBR
      • BACH & Florid Song
    • 2020-21 >
      • BACH Birthday
      • Brisbane City Hall
      • Joyful Noise 2021
      • Virtual BACH RECITAL
    • 2019 >
      • Brisbane City Hall
      • Sydney Town Hall
      • St John's Cathedral
    • 2018 >
      • Rosalie, BNE
      • BACH I (CCSL)
      • BACH Birthday
      • Auckland Town Hall
      • Mystic Organ I
      • Brisbane City Hall
      • BACH II (CCSL)
      • St Lucia
      • Skagen
      • Aarhus
      • Aalborg Cathedral
      • Bremen Cathedral
      • Malmö
      • Helligaandskirken
      • Freiberg Cathedral
      • Magdeburg Cathedral
    • 2017 >
      • St David's Cathedral, Hobart
      • Scots Church, Hobart
      • St John's College
      • Brisbane City Hall
      • Wesley, Canberra
      • Aveo, Taringa '17
    • 2016 >
      • MoFo
      • Bach's Birthday
      • Brisbane Baroque
      • Sydney Town Hall
      • Monash
      • Mariager
      • Helligaandskirken
      • Randers
      • Thisted
      • Haderslev
      • Køge
      • Saxkøbing
      • Brisbane City Hall
      • UQ Art Museum
      • Aveo, Taringa
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2010
    • 2009
    • 2008
    • 2007
    • 2006
    • 2003
    • 2002
    • 2000 >
      • COMPLETE BACH
    • 1999
    • 1994
  • LISTEN
  • Contact
  • GALLERY
  • Church Music
  • KLOP organ hire
  • WILLIS ORGAN CONCERTS
    • Willis Concert Archive
    • WILLIS ORGAN TOURS
    • ALL STOPS OUT