Lionel Rogg Organ Works

Description

One of the world's most renowned organists and composer for the instrument, Lionel Rogg, celebrates his 90th birthday on 21 April 2026. To mark this event, we are delighted to release this new recording presenting a varied selection of Rogg's organ works, chosen by organist, Anne Page, and ranging from the small-scale collection 'Neuf pieces breves' (Nine short pieces) to the demanding large-scale suite 'Hommage a Takemitsu', 'Yorokobi - Piece Joyeuse', and two virtuoso Toccatas which open and close the programme. The 1987, 52-stop Rieger organ (recently restored by the original builder) of St Marylebone Church in London, which is used by the Royal Academy of Music for teaching and performance, is the ideal instrument for the realisation of Rogg's organ music, having a wealth of modern colours in a warm acoustic, and with a clarity that benefits the often contrapuntal and strongly rhythmic nature of the music. Born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1936, Lionel Rogg rose to prominence as a performer of the organ works of JS Bach, of which he has made three complete recordings. His discography also includes the complete works of Buxtehude (Deutscher Schallplattenpreis 1980), Couperin, Grigny, Brahms, and music by Liszt, Reger, Spanish music (Prix de l'Academie du Disque Francais), and much more. He has given innumerable organ (and occasionally harpsichord) recitals in every European country, the far east, north and south America, Australia, Japan, and Korea, and was Professor of Organ at the Conservatory of Geneva until 2002. Rogg's own music adroitly combines his love of counterpoint with contemporary developments, but always with an emphasis on colour, rhythm, and spontaneity. Often adventurous in its harmonic language, but not without a touch of humour!