Fugue in E Minor

In a short lifespan of less than 32 years, Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was a prolific composer, writing some 600 Lieder, ten complete or nearly complete symphonies, liturgical music, operas, incidental music and a large body of chamber and solo piano music. Appreciation of his music while he was alive was limited to a relatively small circle of admirers in Vienna, but interest in his work increased significantly in the decades immediately after his death. Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms and other 19th-century composers discovered and championed his works. Today, Schubert is ranked among the greatest composers of the early Romantic era and, as such, is one of the most frequently performed composers of the early nineteenth century.

The "Fugue in E Minor" is, according to E. Power Biggs, the transcriber of the piece, "An early composition, originally published for two pianos, but intended for and performed on the organ by the composer." This version was published by the Mercury Music Corp. in 1957.

The piece has a very "classic" feel to and uses chromaticism and variety in texture to good affect. While it is probably a bit "academic," it makes for an excellent sound, and this performace builds up to the Full Organ of the "new" Ladegast SURROUND version.

The perspective is about 25% front and 75% rear, and the acoustical environment is quite "different" from the original "front only" sample set.

I dedicate this to Professor Maier for the skill and care that he brings to each of his splendid sample set, and to the personal kindness that he has shown to me!

THANK YOU!