A few years ago Rudolf Innig accomplished a grand discographic feat with his complete recording of the nine organ symphonies of Felix Nowowiejski, thereby rehabilitating an almost entirely forgotten master of late romantic organ sound.

He later presented a recording of smaller-format organ compositions by Nowowiejski. The four “Concerti” recorded here conclude this valuable edition now for the first time presenting the Polish master’s complete organ oeuvre on CD on MDG.

Those who expect an orchestra for the concerto form are in for a genuine surprise. Innig employs the magnificent Sauer organ in the Bremen Cathedral with so much colour that the strings and winds will not be missed for a single moment.

Nowowiejski composed his concertos during difficult times. World War II had just begun with the German army’s invasion of Poland, and the composer, who had developed close ties to Germany over the years, became a professional and personal outsider under the new regime.