Karg-Elert, Sigfrid (1877-1933)

German composer. After studying at Leipzig he devoted himself to the European harmonium. His numerous concert pieces and graded studies, including 66 Choral Improvisations (1908-10), exploit a range of impressionistic effects such as the ‘endless chord’.

He became professor at the conservatories of Magdeburg and Leipzig. He was a brilliant pianist, but was persuaded by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg to devote himself to composition.

Works Orchestral a symphony, two piano concertos (1901, 1913).

Chamber string quartet; violin and piano sonatas; sonata and other works for piano.

Harmonium and organ pieces for harmonium and many organ works, including 66 Chorale Improvisations (1908-10), 24 preludes and postludes, Sonatina, passacaglia, fantasy and fugue in D major, Chaconne, Fugue-Trilogy and Chorale, ten characteristic pieces, three symphonic chorales, seven Pastels from Lake Constance (1919), six Cathedral Windows (1923), 54 variation-studies Homage to Handel.

Other over 100 songs.