Reger's music is known for its incredible complexity, with scores dense with notes, abundant tempo and expression marks, and post-Wagnerian chromaticism.
Instruments
The organ in the Church of St. James has undergone considerable reconstruction over the years, but its facade has remained unaltered since it was built in 1746.
Compositional Technique
In both the Fantasia and Fugue on BACH and the Fantasia and Fugue in D minor, Reger uses a generating motif whose transformations form the music's substance.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Reger, a Catholic musician, was greatly attracted to the Lutheran musical tradition, and his large chorale fantasies are central to his organ works.
Performer Biography
Lionel Rogg, the organist on this album, established his reputation at age 25 by performing the complete organ works of Bach in 10 concerts in Geneva.
Composer Biography
Max Reger, born in Bavaria in 1873 and died in Leipzig in 1916, is considered the most important organ composer since J.S. Bach.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Reger considered J.S. Bach, to whom he dedicated his Fantasia on BACH, as "the beginning and end of all music."
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