Reger: Orgelwerke. Variationen und Fuge, Op. 73, Choralvorspiele, Op. 79b & Transkriptionen

Max Reger's latest release, Reger: Orgelwerke, is a captivating collection of organ works that showcases the composer's mastery of the instrument. Released on 10 March 2023 via Warner Classics, this album is a treasure trove of Reger's most exquisite compositions, featuring a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes of pure musical bliss.

The album is comprised of a selection of Reger's most notable works, including the 13 Chorale Preludes, Op. 79b, which are divided into two books. These preludes are a testament to Reger's ability to craft beautiful, intricate pieces that evoke a sense of serenity and wonder. The tracklist also includes the Romance in A Minor, WoO IV/11, and Aus meinem Tagebuch, Op. 82, Vol. IV, which demonstrate Reger's capacity for creating delicate, expressive music.

A highlight of the album is the Variations and Fugue on an Original Theme in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 73, a work that showcases Reger's technical skill and artistic vision. The introduction, theme, and variations, followed by the fugue, create a sense of tension and release, drawing the listener into Reger's world of sound.

Throughout the album, Max Reger's music is brought to life with precision and passion, making Reger: Orgelwerke a must-listen for fans of organ music and those seeking to discover the beauty of Reger's compositions. With its rich, nuanced soundscapes and masterful performances, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Reger's music to inspire and delight.

Max Reger, born Johann Baptist Joseph Maximilian Reger in 1873, was a towering figure in German music, straddling the late Romantic and early Modernist eras. A prolific composer, pianist, organist, and conductor, Reger's music is renowned for its complexity and emotional depth, particularly his monumental fugues and organ works. Born in Brand, Bavaria, Reger's musical journey began under the tutelage of his parents and the local organist, leading him to become one of the most significant composers of organ music since Bach. His compositions, which include magnificent chorale-based and free works, reflect both the grandeur of German Romanticism and the innovative spirit of Modernism. Reger's legacy endures, celebrated by figures such as Paul Hindemith and Arnold Schoenberg, and his music continues to captivate audiences with its structural coherence and emotional resonance.