‘This recording impressively confirms Cerha’s status as a unique voice in modern organ music,’ states the jury of the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics’ Prize) 3/26. Particular praise is given to Wolfgang Kogert’s ‘passionate interpretation, (...) energetic, precise, unpretentious and with a clear understanding of its inner dramaturgy.’ It goes on to say: “This music demands concentration – and rewards it with a distinctive soundscape that ranges from ascetic rigour to surprising colour.”
"My collaboration with Cerha lasted 13 years. I worked with him on all his works, and he was present during many of the recordings," explains Wolfgang Kogert about the recording of all of Friedrich Cerha's organ works, released in January 2026.
The compositions – a toccata, nine preludes, nine inventions and six postludes – are all part of Friedrich Cerha's late work and were written between 2011 and 2020; the toccata is the last oeuvre in his official catalogue.
The album, which comes with an extensive booklet featuring texts by Gertraud Cerha and Lukas Haselböck, was presented on 27 February 2026 in the Great Hall of the Vienna Musikverein as part of the new concert series 'Nachklang'.
Friedrich Cerha was born in Vienna on 17 February 1926. On the occasion of his 100th birthday, three years after his death, the composer is being celebrated and honoured in a variety of ways – read more about this in our magazine.
Friedrich Cerha: Complete Works for Organ
Wolfgang Kogert
KAIROS 0022064KAI
EAN 9120010286643
Also available via streaming providers such as Spotify or Youtube.
