Reger: Bach Variations, Op. 81/Träume Am Kamin

This new recording presents two pianistic masterworks by Max Reger: the Bach Variations Op. 81 and the cycle Träume am Kamin. Max Reger (1873–1916), hailed as "the last giant in music" by composer Paul Hindemith, occupies a commanding position in the late Romantic and early 20th-century German musical landscape. Reger's musical legacy marks a distinct bridge between the 19th-century Romantic tradition and the burgeoning complexities of the 20th century. Reger's music is defined by dense textures, chromatic harmonies, and meticulous contrapuntal craftsmanship. His compositions, characterized by a demanding technical prowess, require performers and listeners to engage intellectually. Influenced by predecessors like Johann Sebastian Bach, and Johannes Brahms, Reger aimed to reconcile Romantic expression with the contrapuntal rigor of the Baroque era, while embracing modernist perspectives that pushed the boundaries of tonality. The Bach Variations Op. 81 offer everything that is characteristic of Reger’s advanced style – sophisticated harmonies, a dizzying abundance of notes, roaring climaxes, monumental architecture, and seamless polyphony. The Träume am Kamin is a cycle of modestly scaled, intimate character pieces, charming and melodious. Eden Walker, born in 1995, is a British pianist based in Hamburg, Germany. His focus on delving into the underrepresented virtuoso piano works of composers such as Reger, Busoni, Alkan, and Godowsky have earned him a reputation as a pianist adept at navigating the technical and intellectual intricacies of this challenging repertoire.

1: Thema. Andante (Quasi Adagio)
2: Variation I. L'istesso Tempo
3: Variation II. (Sempre Espressivo Ed Assai Legato)
4: Variation III. Grave Assai
5: Variation IV. Vivace
6: Variation V. Vivace
7: Variation VI. Allegro Moderato
8: Variation VII. Adagio
9: Variation VIII. Vivace
10: Variation IX. Grave E Sempre Molto Espressivo
11: Variation X. Poco Vivace
12: Variation XI. Allegro Agitato
13: Variation XII. Andante Sostenuto
14: Variation XIII. Vivace
15: Variation XIV. Con Moto
16: Fugue - Sostenuto - Più Moto - Adagio
17: I. Larghetto in B-flat Major
18: II. Con Moto in E-flat Major - Andante
19: III. Molto Adagio in a Major
20: IV. Allegretto Grazioso in E Major - Andante - Tempo Primo
21: V. Agitato in B Minor
22: VI. Poco Vivace in A-flat Major - Molto Sostenuto - Tempo Primo - Andante
23: VII. Molto Sostenuto in D Major
24: VIII. Vivace (Etüde) in C Major
25: IX. Larghetto in E-flat Major
26: X. Vivace (Humoreske) in D Minor - Meno Mosso - Vivace - Un Poco Meno Mosso - Adagio
27: XI. Andantino in G Minor
28: XII. Larghetto in D Major (Studie)

Composer: Max Reger

Number of Discs: 1

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