Search - Joseph Rheinberger, Wolfgang Rubsam :: Rheinberger: Works for Organ, Vol. 3

Uniformly Excellent

Avid Reader | Franklin, Tn | 08/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another example of a hiccup by my computer or mouse - not sure which one - and multiple reviews were submitted. Sorry about that.This is the third volume of Rheinberger Sonatas by Wolfgang Rubsam and again I am pleased at the quality and technique as well as structural craftsmanship, especially as the later sonatas are approaching the half hour mark. Just learning the hundreds of thousands of notes is an accomplishment in itself but sculpturing the long pieces into a single unit is perhaps an even greater effort.In a sense, the composer assists in this effort by introducing and reintroducing themes. The writing is now becoming dense in parts - like Vierne's sober, thick First Organ Symphony. But Rheinberger is too much a melodist to become infatuated with so-called "walls of sound". Despite the intensity, he repeatedly emerges with absolutely beautiful melodies that literally sing to the listener.The Eighth is another somber work and the technical demands of the final movement (Passacaglia) is especially noteworthy. The Ninth (in B flat Minor) alludes to an almost Classical tone in parts yet explores various Romantic realms at ease. This is the longest and most mature of the first nine. It is extremely original without departing from the strict confines of a strucure the composer apparently relishes. The Trios are miniature tone poems with a German, Romantic appeal. Some are gems, others are simply melodic"