Sonata No. 3 in B-flat Major, Op.107 for viola and piano by Max Reger
Version for viola by the composer. Urtext edition by Michael Kube. Markings by Jurgen Weber. Published by Henle.
Max Reger (1873-1916) was a prolific German composer. He saw himself in the motive-driven, classical tradition of Beethoven and Brahms. His music is often dense and complex, though rich with melody, combining the advanced harmonies of Wagner with the contrapuntal rigor of Bach. Though most of his work is for organ or piano, he made important contributions to the string repertory with his solo viola suites and string trios.
Reger, following in Brahms’s footsteps, wrote sonatas that can be played on either clarinet or viola. His third and best known, Sonata No. 3 in B-flat Major, Op.107 (1909), is written beautifully for the viola’s mellow character. Its formal complexity, memorable melodic writing, and thematic transformation make it a unique and engaging part of the late Romantic viola repertory. This version for viola and piano is presented in a Henle urtext edition, with marked and unmarked parts and historical and critical commentary. Advanced level, Grade 5.
