Reger Inspired By J.S. Bach – Michael Schoch

Michael Schoch is equally at home on both the piano and organ – the best prerequisite for this recording of Reger’s piano transcriptions of Bach’s organ works! Lucid transparency characterises the performance of the celebrated ARD prize winner, fed by a deep familiarity with both worlds, which Reger would also have appreciated.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Reger approaches his arrangements with the utmost respect: the musical text is barely altered and special pianistic effects are largely dispensed with. Bach’s polyphonic movement, often difficult to follow in the dense organ sound, suddenly becomes crystal clear in the famous D minor Toccata, without sacrificing tonal opulence.

The legendary Steinway concert grand piano ‘Manfred Bürki’ from 1901 seems to have sprung directly from Reger’s late romantic sound world. With the grandiose Variations on a Theme by Bach Op. 81, Reger nods to his adored role model; a welcome opportunity for Schoch to also include a major pianistic work by the tradition-conscious avant-gardist on the programme.

The Fantasia and Fugue on B-A-C-H acts like a unifying bracket. This organ work, which is as powerful as it is complex, is probably one of Reger’s best-known; Schoch’s finely balanced playing of the piano version by August Stradal replaces the often awe-inspiring rigour with airy clarity, satisfying even the most discerning listener.