Mendelssohn/ Reger

[EJN]

I am planning to play The six sonatas for organ by Mendelssohn, and I wonder which sonata you think is the best. I prefer nr 2.
I am also planning to play Max Reger's choralfantasias complete and other works by Reger.

[giovannimusica]

I'm impressed that you are going to play some of Reger's Oeuvre. His Symphonic Fantasy and Fugue Op. 57 aka *The Inferno* I find quite intimidating and consequently have never really been able to get a grip on it.

Cheers,

Giovanni

[acc]

I am planning to play The six sonatas for organ by Mendelssohn, and I wonder which sonata you think is the best. I prefer nr 2.

My personal favourite is Nr.6 (I know, it's the one that has been done do death and beyond, but I still love it!).

(P.S. to Giovanni: am I right in assuming that you've switched your avatar from your favourite organ to your favourite composer?)

[EJN]

Yes, Reger is fantastic. I have played his op 57 for many years ago, a fantastic work. One of mine favourites of Reger are his choralfantasia op 52:3 "Halleluja! Gott zu loben bleibet meine Seelenfreud". I played that work as examen work when I finished my education at the music high school.

[giovannimusica]

Hi acc,

Thou art right in thy assumption. I am very busy these days committing all the organ and piano works of Tournemire to memory so that I can always have it wherever I go. St. Sulpice will always be my favorite instrument - it hasn't been demoted nor ever will be.

Cheers,

Giovanni

[giovannimusica]

Hi EJN,

I doff my hat in respect to you for *conquering* Op. 57 - BRAVA MAESTRO!!!


Cheers,

Giovanni

[Krummhorn]

Hi EJN,

Mendelssohn Sonata I is my favorite. I've played it numerous times in concert as well as using the Adagio movement for a church offertoire at times, too.
My last performance of this was in my own church on a 9 rk Moller. Took lots of ingenious stop selections, plus the dedicated work of an assistant because of the lack of pistons (4 generals, 0 divisionals), but the piece was well received.

All the best in your endeavors,

Lars

[grand choeur]

Hello ALL,

Greetings from the Caribbean.

I have played Mendelssohn Son. VI but I think I would choose Son. III - what with the double fugue.

As for Reger, I still haven't got over the Introduction and Passacaglia - takes my breath away everytime I hear and play it!!!

Cheers

[Krummhorn]

Just thought of another Reger work "Benedictus" - a shorter quiet piece with lots of energy and inspiration. I get goosebumps everytime I play it in church.

[rojo]

I heard the Mendelssohn Sonata No.1 1st mvt. not too long ago on the radio, and thought it was great! I'm definitely intrigued to hear the rest of it, and the other Mendelssohn Sonatas...

[NEB]

Yeah the introduction and passacaglia is one of my fav's from Reger.