Markus Becker - Bach: Piano Transcriptions, Vol. 7 - Max Reger

Hyperion�s Bach piano transcription series, which has done so much to illustrate the unique effect of Bach on the nineteenth-century mind, has reached volume 7 with the complete transcriptions by Max Reger. Reger was described by his contemporaries as �the modern-day Bach�, partly because of his frequent use of fugue and other characteristic forms. His skills as a pianist were matched by his abilities as an organist�a situation that influenced his a profound understanding of Bach�s counterpoint. Therefore it is fascinating to see the composer�s direct response to his predecessor.In the young German virtuoso Markus Becker we have the ideal performer: he has already recorded the complete original piano works of Reger. As Francis Pott writes in his comprehensive booklet notes: �In adopting a balance of linear and polyphonic clarity with the full expressive resources of the piano and of virtuoso technique, Markus Becker respects the historic significance both of Bach�s original inspirations and of Reger�s transcriptions as documents of their own time�.