In the first half of this century Rheinberger’s music was very fashionable amongst British organists, but sadly it finds little favour with today’s players. Rheinberger may lack the virtuosity of Liszt, the poetry of Franck or the Herculean textures of Reger, and the influence of Mendelssohn is all too obvious. Yet his music does have a character all its own, and his 20 organ sonatas (all in different keys) must be regarded as a significant contribution to the repertoire. Like Brahms, Mendelssohn and Reger, he has the ability to produce an attractive synthesis of baroque contrapuntal writing with a romantic harmonic language.
Hopefully this survey of the complete organ works will help to redress the balance, and Vol. 1 gets the series off to an auspicious start. Innig’s performances are consistently intelligent and committed; he brings dignity and grandeur to the louder passages, and grace and charm to the slower, softer movements. The Walcker organ dates from around the same time as the music, and is thus ideally suited to this repertoire. The recorded sound is excellent, and the CD is accompanied by a comprehensive and informative booklet. A very worthwhile release.'