Composer

:

Max Reger

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1902

Average_duration

:

3:19

Max Reger's Chorale Prelude Herzlich tut mich verlangen, Op. 67/14 was composed in 1902 and premiered on March 1, 1903, in Munich. The piece is part of a collection of 30 chorale preludes for organ, which Reger composed between 1899 and 1902. The Chorale Prelude Herzlich tut mich verlangen is based on the hymn of the same name, which was written by the German poet Paul Gerhardt in 1653. The hymn is a meditation on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ and expresses the longing of the believer to be united with him. The piece is in four movements, with a slow and contemplative opening followed by a lively and rhythmic section. The third movement is a more subdued and introspective variation on the hymn tune, while the final movement is a triumphant and joyful conclusion. Reger's use of chromatic harmonies and complex counterpoint gives the piece a rich and expressive character. The opening section features a series of descending chromatic lines, which create a sense of melancholy and introspection. The lively second section contrasts with this, featuring a driving rhythm and a more optimistic mood. The third movement is notable for its use of dissonant harmonies and unexpected modulations, which create a sense of tension and uncertainty. The final movement brings the piece to a triumphant conclusion, with a series of ascending arpeggios and a joyful restatement of the hymn tune. Overall, Reger's Chorale Prelude Herzlich tut mich verlangen is a powerful and expressive work, which showcases the composer's mastery of the organ and his ability to create complex and emotionally charged music.

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