The enormously prolific Marie Joseph Erb (1858–1944) has somehow escaped the attention of posterity, although the quality of his music is on a par with contemporary organist-composers whose works are far better known. Erb’s long life – he heard Berlioz conduct in 1863 and was still composing 80 years later – was focused on Strasbourg, where he was active as pianist, organist and professor, though he had studied in Paris, with Fauré, Gigout, Saint-Saëns and Widor, and later with Liszt in Weimar. This second Jan Lehtola/Toccata Classics album devoted to his organ music sandwiches six short pieces intended for liturgical use between two monumental works; indeed, in its combination of architectural magnificence and emotional intensity, the Sonata on Chorale Themes of the Catholic Liturgy may be one of the finest of all organ sonatas.

“The playing of organist Jan Lehtola and the three instrumentalists, especially English hornist Paula Malmivaara, is simply superb, and they are captured in beautifully deep, resonant, yet clear sound. […] William Melton’s detailed booklet notes are excellent; lengthy artist bios also are provided. Unlike past years, 2024 has seen for me a dearth of obvious Want List candidates, but this disc is at least an outside contender, […] This is the Toccata label at its formidable best; strongly recommended, and looking forward eagerly to more releases in this series.” – James A. Altena, Fanfare Magazine, February 2024 on Vol.1 (TOCC069)