Wilhelm Berger: Choral Works

Wilhelm Berger’s music is one of the treasures of the romantic era which has only recently seen new light again. Highly prized by composers and critics alike, the music of the Meininger court kapellmeister was often compared to that of Johannes Brahms during his lifetime. At the same time, Berger, in his use of dissonant phrases, paved the way for composers such as Max Reger, who was to succeed him as head of the famous Meiningen Court Orchestra. After Wilhelm Berger’s death, his work nearly became forgotten. Only in recent years has it once again found recognition in the eyes of the music world.

Along with his Second Symphony, Berger's masterpieces include his late choral works: the Landesjugendchor Thüringen, under the direction of Nikolas Müller, has taken on these works. At times a cappella, at times accompanied by pianist Alejandro Picó-Leonis, the choir interprets the four to eight part women's, men's and mixed choral works in a delightfully unpretentious and fresh manner, demonstrating clearly why Wilhelm Berger’s music was so highly admired during his time.

Landesjugendchor Thüringen
Alejandro Picó-Leonís , Klavier

Nikolaus Müller