Rheinberger: Choral & Organ Music

Josef Rheinberger (1839-1901) was a German romantic composer of mainly works for the organ, his own instrument. He was one of the leading figures in the “Cecilian Movement” which, in a world of increasing secularization, propagated the return to religious values of the past, expressing itself in a renewed interest in Gothic architecture and polyphony. • Rheinberger’s works are a happy blend of the Romantic spirit of his time and a healthy dose of polyphony and counterpoint, in this he was a worthy successor of Felix Mendelssohn. • This new recording presents a selection of choral music and organ works, the two genres in which Rheinberger excelled and for which his fame is undisputed. Included are the Mass for Male Choir and Organ Op. 190, Ave Verum, the popular Abendfriede for organ and the mighty Organ Sonata No. 19 in G minor. Music of great warmth and sensitivity, quintessentially romantic. • Played by organist Manuel Tomadin on the 1897 Goršič organ at the Church of Maria Ausiliatrice, Vipava, Slovenia, the specifications of which are included in the booklet. The male choir “Il polifonico” is conducted by Fabiana Noro.

• Rheinberger: 12 Charakterstücke für Orgel, Op. 156: No. 11 Abendfriede
• Rheinberger: Ave Maria
• Rheinberger: Mass in F major, Op. 190
• Rheinberger: Organ Sonata No. 19 in G minor, Op. 193