Max Reger's sublime album, Max Reger: Geistliche Lieder, is a masterful collection of sacred songs and organ pieces that showcase the composer's profound skill and artistry. Released on 25 November 2016 by Rondeau Production, this captivating album spans 1 hour and 7 minutes, taking listeners on a journey through Reger's most revered works.
The album features a stunning array of tracks, including the majestic Fantasie für Orgel über Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, Op. 27, and the poignant Geistliche Lieder, Op. 137, which comprises 12 exquisite songs. Max Reger's arrangements of beloved hymns, such as Schönster Herr Jesu WoO VI/13.10, demonstrate his unique ability to breathe new life into timeless classics.
The Stücke für Orgel, Op. 145b, with its haunting Trauerode, showcases Reger's mastery of the organ, while the Geistliche Lieder, Op. 105, presents a beautiful juxtaposition of Ich sehe dich in tausend Bildern and Meine Seele ist still zu Gott. The album also includes the contemplative Wohl denen, die ohne Wandel leben WoO VII/36, and the heartfelt Gebet (Herr, schicke was du willt), arranged from a poem by Mörike.
The album's climax features the iconic Fantasie und Fuge über B-A-C-H, Op. 46, a work of towering brilliance that showcases Reger's technical prowess and deep understanding of the organ. With its intricate counterpoint and soaring melodies, this piece is a testament to Max Reger's status as one of the most important composers of his generation. Throughout this remarkable album, Max Reger's music shines with a profound sense of spirituality and beauty, making Max Reger: Geistliche Lieder an essential listening experience for fans of sacred music and organ repertoire.
