Credits:

Benjamin Schmid

Description:

Although this concerto was composed when Reger was around 35 years old, it displays an exceptionally mature style. It was written for the French violinist Henri Martel, and Reger himself seemed to have such immense confidence in the finished work that he stated in a letter to a friend, I am convinced that this piece follows in the footsteps of Beethoven and Brahms. While the sense of tonality is indeed somewhat ambiguous and there are no overtly tear-jerking melodies, the emotion that seems to seep from the entire piece, along with the rich harmonies characteristic of a master organist, make this undeniably music for adults that captivates the listener the more one listens to it. The accompanying chaconne is also a magnificent work that shines with a brilliant touch. Violinist Schmidt, known for his modern, sophisticated style, delivers a rich, nuanced sound here, playing with a deliberate,