Der heitere Wolf: Lieder von Hugo Wolf

Dive into the whimsical and often overlooked side of Hugo Wolf's extensive song catalog with "Der heitere Wolf: Lieder von Hugo Wolf." This captivating collection, released on June 2, 2017, by Coviello Classics, showcases the lighter, more humorous aspects of Wolf's compositions, featuring a selection of his songs that are heiter, ironisch, sarkastisch, or humorvoll. With a runtime of just over an hour, this album offers a delightful journey through Wolf's musical interpretations of poems by Eduard Mörike, Joseph von Eichendorff, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Robert Reinick, and even William Shakespeare.

Performed by the talented bass-baritone Horst Lamnek and his accomplished piano partner Elena Larina, this album presents 30 enchanting songs that highlight the playful and witty side of Hugo Wolf's genius. From the lively "Der Tambour" to the reflective "Der Jäger," each track is a testament to Wolf's mastery of song composition and his ability to bring poetry to life through music. The album's diverse range of moods and themes ensures that there is something for every classical music enthusiast to enjoy, making it a wonderful addition to any music lover's collection.

Hugo Wolf, born in 1860 in what is now Slovenia, was an Austrian composer who left an indelible mark on the world of art songs, or Lieder, during the late Romantic era. Known for his intense and expressive compositions, Wolf's music is celebrated for its psychological depth and dramatic scope. Influenced by the likes of Wagner, Liszt, and Schubert, his unique style brought a concentrated expressive intensity to the Lied form, setting it apart from other works of the time.

Wolf's life was marked by both brilliance and struggle. He battled depression and syphilis, and his tumultuous personal life earned him the nickname "der wilde Wolf" — the wild Wolf. Despite these challenges, he produced a body of work that includes masterpieces such as the Goethe Songbook and the Mörike-Lieder, which continue to captivate audiences with their themes of love, passion, and fairy tales. His influence on the German Lied is profound, and his compositions remain a cornerstone of the genre. Wolf's legacy endures, not just through his music, but also through his letters and the enduring impact he had on fellow composers like Gustav Mahler. His untimely death in 1903 at the age of 42 cut short a career that had already achieved so much, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire and move listeners.