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Reger, Complete Orchestral Variations Cat.No.: 8998
Performed by:
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam / Neeme Jarvi Russian State Symphony Orchestra and Russian State Symphonic Cappella / Valeri Polyansky
The image of Max Reger as a composer of long, tortuously chromatic, over-elaborate polyphonic extravaganzas dies hard. But his rich output discloses both a passionate commitment to German Romanticism and a neo-classical, indeed neo-Baroque strain of inspiration that made him an important forerunner of Paul Hindemith. This 2-CD set contains the sets of orchestral variations (on themes by Mozart and Hiller) which most successfully synthesise his creative preoccupations, as well as a darkly evocative set of tone-paintings inspired by the canvases of Bocklin, and an exuberant, life-enhancing setting of Psalm 100. Reger’s mastery of orchestral textures is everywhere in evidence, as is a broad good-humour, only occasionally tempered by more melancholy moods. There are comparatively few discs of Reger given his astonishing productivity within a short life; this set is an ideal introduction to his work.
* ‘In the all-important business of clarifying the rich detail and formidable ingenuity of Reger’s polychrome counterpoint Jarvi puts not a foot wrong, and the cumulative power of the work is most satisfying. The recording balances clean detail with sumptuousness.’ Gramophone Extensive new booklet notes by Reger scholar Malcolm MacDonald
CD 1
Max Reger 1873-1916
Four Tone Poems after Arnold Bocklin Op. 128
1. Der geigende Eremit: Molto sostenuto Jaap van Zweden violin 8:14
2. Im Spiel der Wellen: Vivace 4:01
3. Die Toteninsel: Molto sostenuto 8:22
4. Bacchanal: Vivace 4:29
Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Johann Adam Hiller Op. 100
5. Theme: Andante grazioso 0:28
6. Variation 1: Piu andante 1:08
7. Variation 2: Allegretto con grazia 3:23
8. Variation 3: Vivace 2:12
9. Variation 4: Poco vivace 2:08
10. Variation 5: Andante sostenuto 4:07
11. Variation 6: Tempo di minuetto 2:28
12. Variation 7: Presto 3:23
13. Variation 8: Andante con moto 2:45
14. Variation 9: Allegro con spirito 1:52
15. Variation 10: Allegro appassionato 2:22
16. Variation 11: Andante con moto 5:50
17. Fugue: Allegro moderato 9:04
Total: 66:50
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam
Neeme Jarvi
CD 2
Psalm 100 Op. 106
For mixed choir, orchestra and organ
1. Jauchzet dem Herrn, alle Welt! 10:10
2. Erkennet, dass der Herr Gott ist! 6:21
3. Gehet zu seinen Toren ein mit Danken 2:52
4. Denn der Herr ist freundlich 8:21
Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Mozart Op. 132
5. Theme: Andante grazioso 2:25
6. Variation 1: L’istesso tempo 2:27
7. Variation 2: Poco agitato 1:56
8. Variation 3: Con moto 1:23
9. Variation 4: Vivace 0:44
10. Variation 5: Quasi presto 2:02
11. Variation 6: Sostenuto 2:34
12. Variation 7: Andante grazioso 2:50
13. Variation 8: Molto sostenuto 5:58
14. Fugue: Allegretto grazioso 9:25
Total: 59:45
Russian State Symphonic Cappella (1-4)
Russian State Symphony Orchestra
Valeri Polyansky
