Karg-Elert: Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major / Impressions Exotiques / Suite Pointillistique

Dive into the enchanting world of Sigfrid Karg-Elert with this captivating collection of his piano works, released on Hungaroton in 2014. Spanning a little over an hour and eighteen minutes, this album is a testament to Karg-Elert's virtuosity and his unique contributions to the genre of Gregorian chant-inspired compositions.

The album opens with the Flute Sonata in B-Flat Major, Op. 121, showcasing Karg-Elert's ability to blend classical elegance with a touch of modern flair. The three movements of the sonata—Allegro amabile, Adagissimo, and Sehr geschwind und leichthin—offer a journey through varying tempos and moods, from the gentle and amiable to the swift and lighthearted.

Impressions exotiques, Op. 134, takes the listener on a whirlwind tour of exotic landscapes, each piece painting a vivid picture. From the rustic charm of "Idylle champetre" to the mystical allure of "Evocation a Brahma," these compositions are a feast for the senses.

The Suite pointillistique, Op. 135, is a four-movement suite that showcases Karg-Elert's mastery of pointillistic technique. The movements—Im stile einer Arabeske, Der Kranke Mond, Scherzo - Diavolina und Innocenz, and Im stile einer Hymne—offer a rich tapestry of sounds and textures, each piece more captivating than the last.

Other highlights include the intricate and challenging 30 Capricien, Op. 107, the passionate Sonata appasionata in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 140, and the youthful exuberance of Jugend, Op. 139. Each piece is a testament to Karg-Elert's skill and creativity, making this album a treasure trove for fans of classical and Gregorian chant-inspired music.