THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY of Karg-Elert’s death in 1993 suggested a reassessment of the composer’s work, particularly (but by no means exclusively) from the organist’s viewpoint. ‘Karg-Elert? – oh yes. I play Nun Danket’ is the all too frequent response to the mention of his name in organ-playing circles. What a pity that only selections from op.65 have supplied all that generations of organists have known; in fact, op.65 is in many respects an ideal introduction to Karg-Elert, but only by the study of all six books can one appreciate fully the fascinating and inspired interpretation of the Lutheran chorale which these
so-called ‘improvisations’ encapsulate. With few exceptions, they are playable by performers of average ability and are effective on a reasonably complete two-manual organ. The Twenty Preludes and Postludes (op.78) are less well known but are equally rewarding to play; the majority are ideal for service use. As a bonus, no.20 of this set is an enchanting setting of Vom Himmel Hoch for solo treble, violin and organ.

In addition to the important Three Symphonic Canzonas (op.85) and Three Symphonic Chorales (op.87) there are large-scale ‘chorale improvisations’ in op.75(I) written a year or so after op.65; this group also includes the dramatic Funerale dedicated to the memory of Guilmant – the dedicatee of op.65. Twenty Two Easy Pedal Studies (op. 83) are by no means all easy and none are for pedal alone; their pedal parts range from very simple to decidedly nimble. The Studies comprise a wide range of styles and textures, displaying Karg-Elert’s skill in writing resourceful, interesting organ music in miniature. Much of
Karg-Elert’s earlier composition was for the harmonium or, rather, the Art-Harmonium – an elaborate and exotic version of the humble ‘mission church’ instrument to which Karg-Elert felt especially drawn, both in composition and in performance. Many of these works have since been arranged for organ: Angelus (op.27), Canzone (op.46) and Benediction (op.33) are good examples of simple small-scale works ideally suited to a liturgical context.

Portraits (op.101) (also written for the Art-Harmonium) presents a fascinating variety of styles, already hinted at in the Pedal Studies (op.83). We are taken on a conducted tour of the style of composers from Palestrina to Schönberg, and as pastiche the experience is often highly entertaining; some Portraits work better on the piano and could well form an interlude in an organ recital, keeping the audience guessing as to which composer is represented.
This collection reveals the extraordinary width of Karg-Elert’s musical interests and his familiarity with the works of contemporary composers including, surprisingly, Sinding and MacDowell.

With few exceptions, such as Partita Retrospettiva (op.151), all Karg-Elert’s organ music is now in print [see note below] as well as his music for other keyboard instruments, and most major works have recently been recorded, notably by Wolfgang Stockmeier and Graham Barber. With the availability of scores and instruments with extensive registrational aids, there is no reason why recitalists should not include Karg-Elert’s major works more often than they do. In addition to those works already mentioned, the following ten works are suggested for players looking for a challenge in the preparation of this demanding but immensely satisfying music:

All of the above as well as most of Karg-Elert’s organ music (and many other of his compositions) are available from Cathedral Music.

The Karg-Elert Society (now the Archive), founded in 1987, exists to encourage performances of the composer’s work. It has a number of distinguished patrons actively engaged in furthering the aims of the Archive; in 1993, special commemorations of Karg-Elert took place in Westminster Abbey, Southwell Minster and Chichester Cathedral. The Archive Secretary can provide further information about membership and copies of the thrice-yearly Newsletter.

Partita Retrospettiva (opus 151)
Since the publication of this article, this major work by Karg-Elert has now become available from Cathedral Music.


Anthony Caldicott is Chairman of the Karg-Elert Archive