“…The Variations and Fugue on a Theme by J.S.Bach, Op.81 (1904) are an arrangement by Ira Levin of Reger’s work for piano. In 1904, Reger considered it his finest work to date, and it was enthusiastically greeted on first public performance. … Reger had insisted that the pianist treat the theme ‘sweetly and always very legato—that is to say, like an oboe solo’. Levin’s arrangement catches that very well. It should be noted that Levin does not merely rearrange for different instruments: he reconstructs the work in a valuable reimagining… Levin is absolutely true to the spirit of Reger and his special emotional world. “

“…a CD whose appeal should move far beyond Reger enthusiasts. This is a splendid introduction for those who have thought of Reger as too heavy for their tastes, and packed with insights for those who have come to love him.”

“The programme begins with a transcription: conductor Ira Levin transcribed Reger’s ‘Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Johann Sebastian Bach’ for large orchestra. The piano work is varied and eloquently expressive. Levin transferred this very well into the orchestra. The Brandenburg State Orchestra plays with virtuosity and expressiveness… The quiet first piece [Böcklin tone poems] has a very beautiful violin solo, played with a warm golden tone by Klaudyna Schulze… Ira Levin’s conducting is very intense. The Bacchanal is spectacular and benefits from a brilliant, orgiastic interpretation. Here, as in the other works, the Brandenburg State Orchestra shows its high level. The sound of the recording is pleasantly spatial, clear and present.” *****