Deciphering the Metronome Marks in Max Reger's Organ Music: The Straube Code Put into Practice

In this fascinating documentary the Reger specialist Henrico Stewen explains and illustrates the reasons for his interpretation and choice of instrument for his CD recording at the Sauer organ of the Thomaskirche in Leipzig.

The CD was awarded with an Echo Klassik 2011. See http://www.echoklassik.de/en/klassik-preistraeger/

More info on the CD on www.henricostewen.com.

Dr. Henrico Stewen (born 1970, Holland) has a Soloist Diploma in Organ Performance from the Amsterdam Conservatory (teachers Jacques van Oortmerssen, Hans Davidsson, and Hans van Nieuwkoop). In 2009 he received the Doctor of Music degree from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki for his practice-based research on the performance of Max Reger's organ music and the aspect of tempo (writing and five recitals). Stewen works as a concert organist and church musician, and gives lectures and master classes.

His book The Straube Code: Deciphering the Metronome Marks in Max Reger's Organ Music, published by the Sibelius Academy in 2008, has gained international recognition.

Reviews of CD MOT 13801 "Max Reger—Orgelwerke/Organ Works. Henrico Stewen - Sauer Organ - Thomaskirche/Leipzig"
***** (Five Stars out of five) "Stewen ist ein ausgesprochener Kenner aller Tempofragen bei Max Reger ... Beeindruckend auch, wie er die Stimmen anordnet, wie der Hörer selbst in Ballungsräumen immer noch einzelne Spuren verfolgen und sich zurechtfinden kann. Wer an diesem Befund zweifelt, sollte sich nur die Schlussfuge von op. 57 zu Gemüte führen, bei der zudem Stewens äußerst genaue Phrasierungskunst besticht." (Christoph Vratz in Musik und Kirche, Januar-Februar 2011)

"Stewen is a very passionate advocate for the music with his deep understanding, formidable technique and mastery of registration; not easy in Reger ... The recording is striking in its clarity, particularly in those pianissimo phrases ... Very warmly recommended." (Andrew Wilson in Organists' Review, February 2011)

***** (Five Stars out of five) "... impressively grand results ..." (Christopher Smith in The Organ, February 2011)

"Voilà un enregistrement magnifique! ... un interprète impressionnant par la dignité et la carrure de son jeu, basé sur des recherches approfondies ... Enfin un Reger qui parle et chante ... Le livret qui accompagne le disque est passionnant: il résume les recherches de M. Stewen et donne, à l'appui, une importante bibliographie ... Splendide!" (Guy Bovet in La Tribune de l'Orgue, 62/3, Autumn 2010)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• metronome
• max
• reger
• organ
• music
• karl
• straube
• code
• henrico
• stewen
• leipzig
• thomaskirche
• st.
• thomas
• church
• sauer
• orgel
• bach
• oortmerssen
• vertigo
• video
• sikkema
• sibelius
• academy
• conservatorium
• amsterdam
• liszt
• brahms
• wagner
• césar
• franck
• introduktion
• passacaglia
• canzone
• toccata
• fuge
• benedictus
• symphonische
• phantasie
• fantasie
• symphonic
• fantasy
• fantasia
• fugue
• introduction
• tempo
• kanzone
• orgue
• kirche
• op.
• 59
• 57
• ohne
• opus
• eglise
• inferno
• dante
• ulsi
• motette
• verlag
• classical
• piano

[TheStraubeCode]

@all of you: Thanks a lot for your comments and for showing so much interest!

[WolfgangWeller]

Als Konzertpianist habe ich mich bereits konzertant mit Regers Bach-Variationen op. 81 beschäftigt und mich über die vielfach musikalisch sinnlosen Metronomangaben gewundert. Der "Straube-Code" scheint des Rätsels Lösung! Im Lichte dieses "Codes" machen z.B. auch die bisher für völlig irreal gehaltenen Metronomzaheln von Regers Chopin-Bearbeitungen Sinn! Herzlichen Glückwunsch an Mr. Stewen für seine Entdeckung, welche die Reger-Rezeption revolutionieren wird!

[gmailesarc]

I really like Reger's organ music... It was incredible for me. Thank you!

[leoncioviolin]

BRAVO. FELICIDADES POR EL CANAL

[MegaDani141]

Great thanks to hear the old organ of the Thomaskirche ^^

[gerardbedecarter]

A fascinating presentation. Many thanks for uploading!

[MrMrMikayel]

Bravo!!!

[yamaho5]

Thank you for sharing this. It is wonderful to see and hear. I like Reger's music and thought that he only wrote the piano concerto. Ho Ho, what a delightful discovery this organ music is. Bravo! from Oklahoma City

[PETfilm]

Very interesting! I have recently studied the Toccata and fugue op. 59/5-6 and found the metronome marks in the fugue nearly inhuman... After watching this video I better understand what Reger must have thought.

And by the way: Reger Rocks! :)

[soffiodipoesia]

Really remarkable work! Thanks for uploading!

[luukpunt]

Prachtig om mijn zwager zo te zien, in dienst van zijn passie.

[paulakromanaux]

Quite fascinating, Henrico. I am looking forward to re-examining some of my Reger scores. I enjoyed listening to the documentary. Thank you so much and congratulations. Paula Pugh Romanaux, Philadelphia