Composer: Sigfrid Karg-Elert
Works: Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade Op 87 No 1; Seven Pastels from the Lake of Constance Op 96; Eight Short Pieces Op 154; Trois Impressions Op 72; Passacaglia and Fugue on B.A.C.H Op 150
Performers: Hans Fagius (organ)
Recording: Recorded on the 1928 Frobenius organ of Aarhus Cathedral, Denmark, April 2000
Label: BIS
Sigfrid Karg-Elert, a composer whose creative journey traversed the late Romantic and early modernist landscapes, presents a kaleidoscopic view of musical expression in “Pastels and Impressions.” This collection, rich in color and complexity, showcases his distinctive voice—a voice that remains underappreciated in the pantheon of early 20th-century composers. Karg-Elert’s works often flirt with the boundaries of genre and style, weaving together the influences of Bach, Debussy, and even American idioms, which makes this recording a compelling exploration of his artistic range.
The opening piece, “Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade,” offers a nod to traditional hymnody while showcasing Karg-Elert’s ability to infuse reverence with emotional depth. Fagius’s interpretation here is masterful; he balances the lyrical passages with a commanding presence, allowing the organ’s sonorous qualities to resonate fully. The recording captures the richness of the 1928 Frobenius organ, emphasizing the instrument’s unique timbres and dynamic capabilities. As the disc progresses into the “Seven Pastels,” listeners are introduced to a more audacious sonic palette. The second movement, “Landscape in Mist,” is particularly noteworthy for its harmonic daring, which reveals Karg-Elert’s impressionistic leanings. Here, Fagius employs a delicate touch and nuanced registrations that evoke a palpable sense of atmosphere, drawing listeners into an almost cinematic experience.
Fagius’s interpretative choices, especially in the “Canzona solemne” from Op. 154, are both thoughtful and bold. This piece’s straightforwardness belies the complexity of its construction, and Fagius navigates its contrasting textures with clarity and conviction. The finale, a grand “Corale,” showcases Karg-Elert’s penchant for harmonic ambivalence, and Fagius delivers this with a gravitas that feels both introspective and expansive. The engineering of the recording deserves particular praise; the spatial balance allows each note to breathe, and the clarity of sound ensures that the intricate counterpoint and dynamic shifts are vividly articulated.
The “Trois Impressions” demonstrate Karg-Elert’s ability to marry late Romantic idioms with a capacious sense of atmosphere. While Hans Fagius asserts their position as some of the most beautiful organ music ever composed, one might argue that the overt Wagnerian influences, particularly in “La Nu i t,” occasionally overshadow Karg-Elert’s own voice. Nevertheless, the emotional weight carried within these pieces, especially as delivered by Fagius, is undeniable, revealing a language that is both personal and evocative.
Karg-Elert’s “Passacaglia and Fugue on B.A.C.H.” serves as the culmination of the recording, encapsulating the composer’s flamboyant spirit and technical prowess. While Fagius acknowledges the piece’s textual shortcomings, he breathes life into its dramatic architecture, crafting a performance that is vibrant and engaging. The work’s climactic moments are rendered with an extroverted grandeur that resonates powerfully, even if some might find moments of diffusion within its sprawling structure.
This recording of Karg-Elert’s music not only illuminates the composer’s unique voice but also affirms Hans Fagius as a compelling interpreter of this repertoire. The combination of thoughtful performance, exceptional sound quality, and Karg-Elert’s richly varied compositions creates an engaging listening experience that invites both exploration and reflection. For those willing to delve into the often-overlooked corners of early 20th-century music, this disc stands as a testament to Karg-Elert’s significant contribution to the organ repertoire, marking a distinguished entry point into his world of sound.
