Roger Sayer is at the forefront of British choral and organ music, recognized both as a prize-winning organist, and as an acclaimed Choral Director with some of the UK’s finest choirs. Sayer has even performed as the organ soloist in Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-nominated score for the film Interstellar. Mozart called the organ the “King of Instruments”, and this release certainly showcases its majestic qualities. Mendelssohn’s Organ Sonata No.1 was inspired by Bach, and exudes an air of gravitas and profundity whilst enjoying the organ’s variety of sonorities. Bach also influenced 20th-century composers Sigfrid Karg-Elert and Max Reger, both of whom followed in Bach’s footsteps by moving to Leipzig. Karg-Elert’s Symphonic Chorale is based on Jesu meine Freude by Johann Cruger, and on the notes BACH (B flat, A, C and B natural), while Reger’s chorale-based Fantasia is a work of great virtuosity. The collection ends with a memorable sonata by Liszt-pupil Julius Reubke.
