The organ is often called ‘the king of instruments’, and Bach was born into, and indelibly influenced by, a long-established tradition of organ composition in 17th-century Germany. This performance offers a journey into these fascinating musical riches, with works by Sweelinck, Böhm, Pachelbel and Buxtehude, culminating in Bach’s great Prelude & Fugue in E minor. James McVinnie starts his Artist Residency with this lunchtime programme that he put together with the special sound qualities and design of the Royal Festival Hall organ in mind. Designed and inaugurated almost exactly 70 years ago in March 1954 by Ralph Downes, the Royal Festival Hall organ caused a sensation in the musical community of the day with its striking tonal design and return to classical pipe organ building principles – ones which allow this music to shine. Listen to James McVinnie’s album, _Counterpoint_: Listen now [https://open.spotify.com/album/1YaUdmi1BHvotzVS95uuqj]