Anna Lapwood’s “A–Z of the Organ: Bach” Reminded Me Why Every Organ Journey Begins with One Name

If someone asked me where to begin discovering the organ, I would probably give the same answer Anna Lapwood did.

Bach.

In her A–Z of the Organ series, Anna has an incredible gift for making one of the world’s most majestic—and often misunderstood—instruments feel approachable. Rather than overwhelming audiences with technical language, she invites them into the story behind the music.

And no composer tells that story better than Johann Sebastian Bach.

Watching Anna speak about Bach isn’t like listening to a history lesson.

It’s like listening to someone introduce you to an old friend.

Her enthusiasm is impossible to miss. Every sentence carries genuine admiration for the composer whose music continues to define organ performance centuries later. She explains not only why Bach matters, but why his works remain endlessly fascinating for performers and audiences alike.

As a fan, I think that’s one of Anna Lapwood’s greatest strengths.

She doesn’t ask people to love classical music because they should.

She simply shows why she loves it herself.

And somehow, that passion becomes contagious.

Bach’s music can appear intimidating from the outside. The intricate fugues, the architectural complexity, the seemingly endless counterpoint—it can all feel overwhelming to someone hearing it for the first time.

Anna gently removes that barrier.

She reminds us that behind every masterpiece is a composer who understood emotion just as deeply as technique. Bach wasn’t writing exercises. He was creating music that could inspire wonder, reflection, joy, and even comfort.

That perspective changes everything.

It also explains why Anna herself returns to Bach again and again throughout her concerts. No matter how many spectacular film scores, improvisations, or modern arrangements she performs, Bach remains the foundation beneath it all.

Watching A–Z of the Organ: Bach feels like being invited into that foundation.

You don’t need years of musical training.

You don’t need to know every famous chorale or fugue.

You simply need curiosity.

By the end, it becomes clear that Bach isn’t just another letter in the alphabet.

He’s the beginning of a lifelong musical journey.

And thanks to Anna Lapwood, countless new listeners are discovering that journey with excitement instead of intimidation.

Perhaps that’s the most remarkable thing she does.

She doesn’t just perform Bach.

She helps people fall in love with him.