Composer

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Sigfrid Karg-Elert

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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1908 - 1911

Sigfrid Karg-Elert's 'Choral-Improvisations (66, in 6 volumes), Op. 65' is a collection of organ works that were composed between 1909 and 1910. The collection was premiered in 1910 and is considered to be one of Karg-Elert's most significant works. The collection is divided into six volumes, each containing eleven improvisations based on various chorale melodies. The chorale melodies used in the collection are mostly traditional German hymns, but there are also a few French and English hymns included. The first volume of the collection begins with an improvisation on the chorale melody "Nun danket alle Gott" (Now Thank We All Our God). The improvisation is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and release throughout the piece. The second volume begins with an improvisation on the chorale melody "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" (How Brightly Shines the Morning Star). This improvisation is characterized by its use of pedal tones and its frequent shifts between major and minor tonalities. The third volume begins with an improvisation on the chorale melody "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" (Sleepers Wake). This improvisation is characterized by its use of syncopation and its frequent use of the pedal to create a sense of momentum. The fourth volume begins with an improvisation on the chorale melody "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden" (O Sacred Head, Now Wounded). This improvisation is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and its frequent use of the pedal to create a sense of tension. The fifth volume begins with an improvisation on the chorale melody "Herzlich tut mich verlangen" (My Heart Is Longing). This improvisation is characterized by its use of ornamentation and its frequent use of the pedal to create a sense of depth. The sixth and final volume begins with an improvisation on the chorale melody "Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein" (Now Rejoice, Dear Christians All). This improvisation is characterized by its use of counterpoint and its frequent use of the pedal to create a sense of grandeur. Overall, Karg-Elert's 'Choral-Improvisations (66, in 6 volumes), Op. 65' is a significant collection of organ works that showcases the composer's skill in improvisation and his ability to create complex and expressive harmonies. The collection remains a popular choice for organists today and is considered to be one of the most important works in the organ repertoire.

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