COMPOSERS: Reger
LABELS: BIS
WORKS: Variations and Fugue on a theme of Beethoven; Four Tone Poems after Arnold Böcklin; A Ballet Suite
PERFORMER: Norrköping SO/Leif Segerstam
CATALOGUE NO: -CD-601 DDD
Max Reger’s misplaced posthumous reputation as dour Teutonic chromaticist has prevented much splendid music from finding any lasting niche in the repertoire. Hopefully, releases like this splendid newcomer will redress the balance somewhat. The performances of the Variations and the Ballet Suite of 1915 are expertly crafted, but it is Segerstam’s visionary advocacy of the more familiar Böcklin Suite which proves revelatory here. The recording is in the demonstration category, and orchestral playing is first rate. Very strongly recommended to any who relish adventure. Michael Jameson
Reger: Variations and Fugue on a theme of Beethoven; Four Tone Poems after Arnold Böcklin; A Ballet Suite
Max Reger’s misplaced posthumous reputation as dour Teutonic chromaticist has prevented much splendid music from finding any lasting niche in the repertoire. Hopefully, releases like this splendid newcomer will redress the balance somewhat. The performances of the Variations and the Ballet Suite of 1915 are expertly crafted, but it is Segerstam’s visionary advocacy of the more familiar Böcklin Suite which proves revelatory here. The recording is in the demonstration category, and orchestral playing is first rate. Very strongly recommended to any who relish adventure. Michael Jameson
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm