REGER: Three Sonatas for Unaccompanied Violin. Ulrike-Anima...

REGER: Three Sonatas for Unaccompanied Violin. Ulrike-Anima Mathe, violin. Dorian DOR-90175. Anyone who thinks of Reger primarily in terms of dense and dour polyphony will be astonished by the leaping exuberance of these sonatas, Nos. 2, 4 and 7 from Opus 91. Reger’s characteristic linear rigor does not disappear, but rather is transfigured by the joys of sheer virtuosity. Even the austere chaconne finale of the A-minor Sonata, No. 7, is infused with lyric and rhythmic life. The German violinist plays here with commanding technical poise, displaying a fresh and lithely dancing musical spirit.