Richard Wagner: Pilgerchor: Organ: Instrumental Work

from the Opera 'Tannhauser'-During his time in Weimar (1848 1861) Liszt developed a then entirely new organ style which stands out for both orchestral and pianistic elements. Together with the choirmaster Alexander Wilhelm Gottschalg (1827 1908) from Tiefurt he regularly initiated so-called 'organ conferences'. And it was at the suggestion of Gottschalg that the present arrangement of the Pilgrim's Choir from the opera 'Tannhäuser' was written. With his version for organ Liszt by means of this example laid the foundations for the (not always undisputed) tradition extending to the present day of organ transcriptions from the operas of Wagner. 'Organistic' elements in the Pilgrims' Choir are theclassical chorale theme the solemn 'sacred' atmosphere of the solemn tempo as well as the expressive cantability. The linear intensification from the antiphonal-organ-like piano dolce of the beginning to the 'full organ' can be realized in a convincing manner with an orchestrally conceived three-manual organ with the sensitive use of the swell box and the successive seamless build-up of the crescendo pedal being of particular significance. Important repertoire piece marking the 200th birthday of Richard Wagner in 2013.