Bach's Cantata Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers Awake) is among his more popular choral works, and Reger's Chorale Fantasia based on the chorale theme used in that work is among his most widely known and admired organ pieces. Reger's Fantasia is divided into two sections, the "Fantasia" and Fugue.

The "Fantasia" opens with a slow introduction (Grave assai), wherein the chorale theme is only vaguely noticeable. The mood is mysterious and dark here, but the atmosphere gradually brightens and energy masses, as the theme emerges grandly, hymn-like at first and then all-powerful, as notes in the bass registers and from the pedals rumble gloriously. A hushed atmosphere returns, again bringing with it mystery, but now with a spiritual sense, and slowly the music fades.

The Fugue, at approximately seven minutes, is about half the length of the "Fantasia." It is also much livelier, beginning right off with a busy, detail-rich treatment of the chorale theme in splendid contrapuntal writing. The entire movement features imaginative handling of all the complex elements, the music brimming with inner voices blending or competing imaginatively with the driving main line. The latter half builds toward a powerful ending: the pedals here resound the third verse of the chorale, "Glory to thee be sung." The chorale "Alleluia" rings out gloriously and triumphantly to close out this masterly creation.

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