Hugo Wolf - Italienisches Liederbuch - Hugo Wolf

Album Description

Dive into the enchanting world of Hugo Wolf's "Italienisches Liederbuch," a captivating collection of songs that explore the myriad facets of love and longing. Released on April 1, 2021, by SPEKTRAL, this album is a testament to Wolf's mastery of the lied, or art song, genre. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, the album features a rich tapestry of 46 tracks, each a poetic journey into the human heart.

Wolf's setting of poems from the "Italienisches Liederbuch" by Paul Heyse and Georg Perty is a tour de force of musical storytelling. The album navigates the complex landscape of love, from the tender and sweet to the bitter and tumultuous. With each song, Wolf's unique harmonic language and expressive melodies bring the texts to life, offering a profound and intimate listening experience.

The album showcases Wolf's extraordinary ability to capture the essence of each poem, whether it's the playful teasing of "Du denkst mit einem Fädchen mich zu fangen" or the heart-wrenching despair of "Verschling' der Abgrund meines Liebsten Hütte." The songs are performed with exquisite sensitivity and virtuosity, highlighting the intricate interplay between voice and piano.

"Italienisches Liederbuch" is not just a collection of songs; it's a profound exploration of the human condition, a celebration of the power of poetry and music to illuminate the depths of our souls. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Hugo Wolf's music or a newcomer to the world of the lied, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies and rich harmonies of "Italienisches Liederbuch," and discover the timeless beauty of Hugo Wolf's artistry.

April 1, 2021

(P) 2021 SPEKTRAL

About Hugo Wolf

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.