Around 1900, a movement for simplicity in church music, involving congregational singing and modest instrumental forces, became established across Europe as a counterweight to the symphonic oratorio.
Composition History
Max Reger initially planned to compose chorale cantatas for six to eight main feasts of the Lutheran Church.
Performer Biography
The Gewandhaus Chorus has a history of over 150 years and has worked with famous conductors like Kurt Masur and Riccardo Chailly.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Max Reger aimed for 'maximum simplicity' and 'folk-like intelligibility' in his chorale settings, even incorporating a folk song like 'Silent Night, Holy Night' into one.
Instruments
The Sauer organ featured on this recording was built in 1904 and underwent extensive restoration between 1996 and 1999.
Composition History
The idea for Max Reger's chorale cantatas came from Friedrich Spitta, a theology professor, who suggested a 'dramatized' version of a Lutheran hymn.
Composer Biography
Max Reger, though Catholic, was exposed to Protestant church music early in life, which became a lifelong influence on his compositions.
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