The Marian pilgrimage site of Kevelaer near the Dutch border is famous for its large neo-Gothic basilica and its organ, built in 1907, which is one of the largest church organs in Germany. Felix Weingartner set Heinrich Heine's ballad Die Wallfahrt nach Kevlaar for voice and orchestra, but in this recording of sacred songs for baritone and organ, the instrument effortlessly replaces an entire orchestra. In this version, the work is now a premiere recording, moreover at the authentic place of action. The program by René Perler and Romano Giefer is completed by sacred songs by Kropfreiter (also in a premiere recording), Rheinberger and Cornelius.
