As Volume 5 of our Sigfrid Karg Elert Edition AEOLUS is proud to present the first of three SACDs that will be dedicated to important cycle of the "Choral Improvisations" op.65 by Karg-Elert. The present SACD contains the books 1 and 2 of this collection. Thematically they handle the Advent, the Christmas time and the passion time. Sigfrid Karg-Elerts chorale cycle op. 65 is his first independent compositions for organ. It's a reflection of the composer's deep attachment to the lutheran chorale and marks the beginning of an intense occupation with church hymns during his life. Today we find about 100 (!) Chorale based works in his opus list. In particular J.S. Bachs "Orgelbuechlein", that is arranged also according to the Church year and the almost two centuries later composed contemporary chorale preludes by Brahms or Reger, as well as in France Alexandre Guilmants collections "L'Organiste liturgiste" and "Pièces dorgue dans différents styles" can be seen as Karg-Elerts models. Today Karg-Elerts style takes the listener into the world of religious confessions on a thrilling musical voyage of discovery. The order of the Chorals on the SACD follows in this case the chronology of the original volumes. This SACD was recorded on the completely unknown Walcker-organ (1914) of the church of the Saint Ignacio de Loyola in the Basque San Sebastián. This SACD is packed in an elegant Digipack. The 24 pages booklet informs in details on the recorded works and the instrument. The program notes have again been written by the performer himself.
Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877 - 1933): "Choral-Improvisationen" op.65 |