Joseph Rheinberger produced a huge output of works for organ, most notably his 20 sonatas. (He also wrote a significant body of piano, sacred, and vocal music, and composed five symphonies, five operas, three singspiels, and 12 string quartets.) The Sonata No. 4 here is one of his most popular compositions, eclipsed perhaps only by the Eighth (1882). The Fourth is a bit smaller in scope than its later sibling, but just as appealing, both for its brilliant keyboard writing and for its noble, religious character. The work is cast in three movements, the opening panel (Tempo moderato) being the largest and most inspired. It begins in a somber mood, but soon turns ecstatic with a glorious theme of religious aspect played against a driving running figure. The whole movement, in fact, seems bathed in an aura of religious ecstasy. Much of the style recalls Bruckner, himself an organist whose symphonies many claim were filled with sonorities he imagined on the organ. The second movement Intermezzo is lighter and more lyrical in its gentler character, while the finale (Fuga cromatica) divulges the composer's deft contrapuntal skills. Lasting about 20 minutes, this sonata is a masterpiece in the organ repertory and ought to be even better known.

© Robert Cummings, All Music Guide