Presents
Max Reger
Piano Quintet No.1 in c minor
Max Reger (1873-1916) was born in the small Bavarian town of Brand. He began his musical studies at a young age and his talent for composition became clear early on. His family expected him to become a school teacher like his father and to this end passed the necessary examinations for certification. However, before he landed his first teaching job, he met the eminent musicologist Hugo Riemann, who was so impressed by Reger’s talent that he urged him to devote himself entirely to music. Reger studied with him for nearly five years. By 1907 Reger was appointed to the prestigious position of Professor of composition at the Leipzig Conservatory. In addition to this he was widely regarded as one of the best living conductors and organists. In a career that only lasted 20 years, Reger wrote a prodigious amount of music in virtually every genre except opera and the symphony. Chamber music figures prominently within his oeuvre.
The Piano Quintet No.1 in c minor dates from 1898. It has no opus number and did not receive publication until after Reger’s death in 1922. The first movement, Agitato, is rather orchestral in nature, it almost sounds like a Brahms symphony. Next comes an Intermezzo, andantino con grazia which is noteworthy for its clever use of pizzicato in the strings. The third movement, Adagio, is a theme and set of variations, which provide excellent contrast with each other and some could almost be used as character pieces. The finale, Presto ma non tanto, is often good humored and features a spirited fugue. Perhaps it is not surprising that this work shows the strong influence of Brahms as Reger was only 25. That said, one can already hear that Reger is begin to try and find a new path.
This work would be welcome in concert and can be managed by experienced amateurs who are familiar with Brahms.
Parts: $39.95
