Karg-Elert: Piano Works, Vol. 4

Dive into the enchanting world of Sigfrid Karg-Elert with his captivating "Piano Works, Vol. 4," released on January 1, 2007, under the CPO label. This collection is a treasure trove of 29 intricate and evocative pieces, spanning a rich tapestry of genres and moods. Karg-Elert, a master of his craft, takes you on a journey through a variety of musical landscapes, from the exotic and mysterious to the lively and playful.

The album opens with "Exotische Rhapsodie (Dschungel Impressionen)," a three-movement suite that paints vivid images of the jungle, from the slow and veiled impressions of the first movement to the lively and joyful rhythms of the third. The suite is followed by a series of character pieces, each with its own unique charm and personality. "Weite Ebene," "Junge Farren," and "Hergewehtes Glockengelaute" evoke the vastness of the plains, the youthful energy of young ferns, and the haunting echoes of distant bells, respectively.

The album also features a number of dance-inspired pieces, including a suite in E minor that showcases Karg-Elert's mastery of various dance forms, from the stately Sarabande to the lively Rigaudon and Minuetto-Capriccio. The suite concludes with a playful and joyful Toccatina-Finale that is sure to leave you smiling.

In addition to these larger works, the album also includes a number of shorter pieces that are no less captivating. "Marchenerzahlerin," "Bratschencantilene," and "Bescheidenes Madchen" are all beautiful and evocative character pieces that showcase Karg-Elert's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and moods in just a few short minutes.

The album concludes with a series of humorous and playful pieces, including "Die Zigeuner sind da!" and "Mit Sackpfeife und Tanzbar," which are sure to bring a smile to your face. The final piece, "Der ruckt die doch nicht wieder 'raus! Ausgeschlossen," is a lively and energetic finale that leaves you with a sense of joy and exhilaration.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes, "Piano Works, Vol. 4" is a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to delight fans of classical music and piano music in particular. Whether you're in the mood for something exotic and mysterious or lively and playful, this album has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and let Sigfrid Karg-Elert take you on a journey through the many moods and landscapes of his captivating piano works.