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In his numerous collections of small character pieces, the imaginative Max Reger gradually developed his own distinctive style, even as he operated in the shadow of the Romantic epigones. His music is characterized by modulating harmonies that simultaneously draw upon classical formal tropes. It is therefore worthwhile to closely examine Reger's "Ten Small Concert Pieces" op. 44 from 1899, which display astonishing harmonic boldness.
Reger's "Five Humoresques" pay homage to the nineteenth-century "Humoresque" genre pioneered by Robert Schumann's opus 20 work of the same name. Reger occasionally infuses his compositions with spirited good humor, as evidenced by his quotation of the popular tune "Du bist verrückt mein Kind" ("You're crazy, my child"). The piano writing exhibits imaginative, virtuosic, and harmonically sophisticated qualities. This volume represents another addition to our ongoing series showcasing Reger's acclaimed piano music.
Max Reger's compositional style was heavily influenced by the traditions of Bach, with forms like canon, fugue, passacaglia, and variation providing a stable foundation for his musical expression. However, Reger's output also reveals a more sentimental, romantic side, as seen in the "Leaves and Blossoms" collection. These pieces, bearing titles like "Spring Song," "Hunting Piece," "Moment musical," and "Elegie," evoke the melodic charm of Schumann, the profundity of Brahms, and the folk style of Grieg. This Urtext edition allows pianists to discover these lesser-known but compelling works, with fingerings provided by Reger expert Helmut Brauss.
When Reger submitted his Clarinet Sonata op. 107 for printing, he remarked, "You immediately notice that the work was originally for clarinet (viola) but that it can also be played by violin and piano." He had written the violin part himself, adjusting it to suit the needs of the instrument.
Max Hehemann once said "Reger just simply happens to be complicated," which accurately sums up the prevailing assessment of Reger's music in the classical music world. However, Reger's Piano Sonatinas Op. 89 are a notable exception to this general rule. In these works, Reger departs from his typically virtuosic and dense piano writing, instead favoring a wonderful sense of lightness and transparency. Nevertheless, the Reger Sonatinas are not easy pieces to play - even the easiest of the set, the Sonatina in D major (No. 2), is considered a medium-level work of 5/6 difficulty.
