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Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877 - 1933)

A chorister at the Johanniskirche in Leipzig, Sigfrid Karg had his earlier musical education there, before training to become a teacher. His father's death in 1889 had brought financial difficulties, which led him, as an adolescent, to support himself as a freelance musician. In 1896 he entered Leipzig Conservatory. His earlier career suggested the possibility of earning a living as a solo pianist, but the encouragement of Grieg led him to further musical study and to composition. Rejecting the modernist musical tendencies that had interested him for a time, he wrote relatively little after the 1914-18 war.

Music for Organ and Harmonium
Karg-Elert, the second part of his name taken from that of his mother, is principally known for the many works that he wrote for the improved four-rank harmonium and which he performed on that instrument. Some of these formed the basis of his organ music and make not inconsiderable technical demands on a performer. Although he wrote a quantity of instrumental and vocal music, his name is today chiefly remembered by organists.

(Keith Anderson)

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Discography

AUSTIN, Michael: Organ Classics	CHRISTMAS Celestial Christmas 5	DUPRE / FRANK / KARG-ELERT / PEETERS: Works for Organ and Piano
FAGIUS, Hans: Organ Favourites	Flute Recital: Barbara Leibundguth - MESSIAEN / NELHYBEL / WITT, C. / KARG-ELERT / BADINGS / BOULEZ / HONEGGER	Flute Recital: Heinzmann, Hans-Udo - LAUBER, J. / FINKE, F.F. / KARG-ELERT, S. / JUON, P.
KARG-ELERT, S.: Choral Music (Leipzig Gewandhaus Choir, Leipzig Vocal Consort, Meyer)	KARG-ELERT, S.: Organ Music (Makinen)	KARG-ELERT: Chamber Music
KARG-ELERT: Harmonium Works, Vol. 3	KARG-ELERT: Harmonium Works, Vol. 4	KARG-ELERT: Harmonium Works, Vol. 5
KARG-ELERT: Organ Works, Vols. 1-4	KARG-ELERT: Organ Works, Vols. 5 and 6	KARG-ELERT: Piano Sonata in B flat major / Impressions exotiques / Suite Pointillistique
KARG-ELERT: Piano Works, Vol. 2	KARG-ELERT: Piano Works, Vol. 3	KARG-ELERT: Piano Works, Vol. 4