Reger's Violin Sonata Op. 72 was intended as an 'affront' to critics and the public, featuring 'invective themes' and highly dissonant harmony to provoke listeners.
Performer Biography
Thomas Günther, the pianist, debuted with Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto at the Berlin Philharmonie and has performed integral cycles of Bach's 'Well-Tempered Clavier'.
Critical Reception
After the premiere of his Op. 72, Max Reger was considered a leading exponent of musical modernity, earning him the label 'wild Reger' for his excessive style.
Composition History
Max Reger's Violin Sonata Op. 72 was written as a response to a devastating review by critic Rudolf Louis, who diagnosed Reger with 'tonal and sound psychological perversity'.
Performer Biography
The duo Johannes Prelle and Thomas Günther has focused on modern classical and contemporary music, including premiering works by John Cage and Dieter Schnebel.
Composition History
Max Reger's Violin Sonata Op. 72 was composed in 1903 and its performances by Belgian violinist Henri Marteau, with Reger at the piano, led to a breakthrough for the composer.
Performer Biography
Johannes Prelle, the violinist on this album, was concertmaster in various German orchestras from 1964 to 1986 and taught violin at the High School of Music Cologne.
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