They were all first performed individually by Reger's friend Karl Straube, and were first published by Breitkopf & Härtel.

1 was first performed by Karl Straube in the summer of 1901 at the Sauer organ of the Willibrordi Dom [de] in Wesel.

[2] The text of the chorale "Alle Menschen müssen sterben" was written by Johann Georg Albinus in 1652.

[4] Reger wrote a copy for Straube and added the dedication: "Recht inniges Vergnügen, lieber Carl!

Im Falle es beim Anhören dieses 'Verbrechens' Todte geben sollte, übernehme ich die Beerdigungskosten.

Besten Gruß Dein alter Organiste Max Reger" ("Quite heartfelt pleasure, dear Carl!

[6] The fantasia is based on Philipp Nicolai's hymn in three stanzas "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme", published in 1599.

The sombre atmosphere is interrupted only by two forceful entries (marked fff) which have been characterized as "niedersausende Blitze" (striking lightning).

Reger establishes a contrast of "himmlische Herrlichkeit" (heavenly glory) and "irdische Finsternis" (earthly darkness).

im Pedal deutet symbolisch, wie sie sich in den Gräbern rühren.