Hyperion’s Bach piano transcription series, which has done so much to illustrate the unique effect of Bach on the nineteenth-century mind, has reached volume 7 with the complete transcriptions by Max Reger.
Reger was described by his contemporaries as ‘the modern-day Bach’, partly because of his frequent use of fugue and other characteristic forms. His skills as a pianist were matched by his abilities as an organist—a situation that influenced his a profound understanding of Bach’s counterpoint. Therefore it is fascinating to see the composer’s direct response to his predecessor.
In the young German virtuoso Markus Becker we have the ideal performer: he has already recorded the complete original piano works of Reger. As Francis Pott writes in his comprehensive booklet notes: ‘In adopting a balance of linear and polyphonic clarity with the full expressive resources of the piano and of virtuoso technique, Markus Becker respects the historic significance both of Bach’s original inspirations and of Reger’s transcriptions as s of their own time’.
Recording details: September 2008
Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Produced by Jeremy Hayes
Engineered by Tony Faulkner
Release date: June 2009
Total duration: 108 minutes 19 seconds
Markus Becker is a heroic exponent of this obscure yet satisfying repertoire … The core of the two discs is Regers series of Chorale Prelude transcriptions, in which … he finds a profound and plangent expressiveness … A fascinating addition to Hyperions series of Bach transcriptions (BBC Music Magazine)
A new kind of Bach sound which belongs to both piano and organ … [BWV14] is slow and thoughtful, yet is made serenely beautiful in Beckers glowing performance … Fascinating, and I do recommend you to try this collection. It really is rewarding (Gramophone)
Marvelous, both Reger and Becker balancing the intimate moments with the public ones (Fanfare, USA)