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.