Max Reger (1873-1916) was a German composer, pianist, and conductor whose music bridged the late Romantic and early modern eras. Deeply influenced by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, Reger was known for his contrapuntal mastery and harmonic richness. Though his reputation has often rested on his organ and chamber music, his output for piano four-hands offers a revealing glimpse into his compositional personality - both his intellectual rigor and his warmth of expression.
Reger’s four-hand works display his more lyrical and accessible side. These miniatures reveal his gift for melody and his subtle harmonic colorings, offering a contrast to the density often associated with his larger compositions. Across his four-hand output, Reger uses the medium not only as a vehicle for technical exploration but also as a form of musical conversation - a dialogue between two pianists that mirrors his complex yet humanistic musical voice.
The works included are: Walzercapricen Op,9, Deutsche Tänze Op.10, 6 Walzer Op.22, Cinq pieces pittoresques Op.34, Sechs Burlesken Op.58 and 6 Stücke Op.94.
Of the Sechs Burlesken Reger himself wrote: “In order to give my ‘harmonic’ mood the freedom it deserves, I will [...] soon write Scènes burlesques pour piano à quatre mains, but I am already ‘warning’ all academies etc. about them; it will be a crazy thing, harmonically exuberant! Oh, there are still many, many ‘north and south poles in harmonics’!“.
Played by Davide and Daniele Trivella, twins brothers, internationally known as one of the most interesting piano duos and winners in Miami of the most important competition for piano duo "Murray Dranoff". Their extraordinary performances have impressed juries of the most important national and international piano duet competitions.
