12 Characteristic Pieces Op 156 - nr 7 In Memoriam

Josef Rheinberger 1839 - 1901 was a German organist and composer born in Vaduz, Lichtenstein. He was appointed Royal Professor of organ and composition at the Munich Conservatorium, a post he held until his death. He was influenced by contemporaries such as Johannes Brahms to composers from earlier times, such as Franz Schubert and Johann Sebastian Bach. Although he was a prolific composer and wrote for various ensembles, he is most well-known for his organ works of which is said that they are "undoubtedly the most valuable addition to organ music since the time of Mendelssohn. They are characterized by a happy blending of the modern Romantic spirit with masterly counterpoint and dignified organ style". I feel it is sad that his work is not performed more often and often seems to be limited to his most famous Cantilena. For that reason I submitted here the entire 12 Characteristic Pieces Op. 156 each having a different atmosphere.

Nr 7 In Memoriam is my favorite of these series. It has a very romantic melody that could easily be used as dramatic film music with its hypnotic and brilliant lines. It is very addictive, be warned it sticks in your head if you start singing this a few times! Played on full organ (nearly in the beginning, rest added at the end). A masterpiece in my view.