Max Reger's First Sonata, Op. 33, was described by a colleague of its dedicatee as having a "mass of notes" that "crush the flimsy thought to death" and "simply atrocious" organ writing.
Instruments
Max Reger's organ writing was influenced by the new, easily playable pneumatic action of organs at the turn of the 20th century, which allowed for consistent key resistance regardless of the number of parts played.
Compositional Technique
Max Reger's organ works often feature a synthesis of Baroque forms like prelude, fantasia, and fugue with modern chorale fantasias.
Album & Artwork
This album is part of an ambitious 16-part CD series by OehmsClassic, aiming to record all of Max Reger's organ works.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Max Reger aimed to liberate the organ from its exclusive ecclesiastical purpose, elevating it to a modern instrument on par with the orchestra.
Composer Biography
Max Reger, a Catholic, was excommunicated in 1902 after marrying Elsa von Bercken, a divorced Protestant.
Composer Biography
Max Reger suffered a nervous and physical breakdown after military service and professional setbacks, returning to his parents' home in 1898.
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