He composed the fantasias in 1899 on two chorales: "Wie schön leucht't uns der Morgenstern" and "Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn" They were published by Musikverlag Josef Aibl [de] in Munich in May 1900.

[1] Reger was raised Catholic but was fascinated by the variety of melodies of Protestant hymns, and used quotations from them throughout his life.

Reger's fantasias follow Reimann's model of setting individual stanzas, connected by interludes.

Reger composed the fantasia in Erbendorf and Weiden, in September and October 1899, and dedicated it to Friedrich Spitta.

Reger composed the fantasia in Weiden in November and December 1899, dedicated to Paul Gerhardt.