Hugo Wolf: Lieder von Mörike

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hugo Wolf's "Lieder von Mörike," a captivating collection of art songs that showcase the composer's unparalleled mastery of the Lieder form. Released on April 20, 2020, this album is a testament to Wolf's ability to seamlessly blend music and poetry, featuring settings of texts by the renowned German poet Eduard Mörike.

Spanning a duration of one hour and seven minutes, this album is a journey through the depths of human experience, from love and longing to reflection and resignation. Each of the 19 tracks is a miniature masterpiece, showcasing Wolf's unique harmonic language and his keen sensitivity to the nuances of the German language. The album opens with "Auf Ein Altes Bild," a poignant reflection on the passage of time, and closes with "Abschied," a bittersweet farewell that leaves a lasting impression.

The album features performances by renowned artists, including pianist Manabu Matsukawa, who brings his technical virtuosity and musical insight to the piano accompaniments. The singers, whose identities are not specified in the provided information, bring their unique voices and interpretive skills to the songs, breathing life into Mörike's poetic texts and Wolf's evocative melodies.

"Lieder von Mörike" is not just a collection of songs, but a window into the world of Hugo Wolf, one of the most important composers of the late Romantic era. His songs are known for their intense expressiveness, their innovative use of harmony, and their deep engagement with the poetic texts that inspired them. This album is a chance to experience the power and beauty of Wolf's music, and to discover the enduring appeal of his Lieder.

The album was released under the Leeway Music & Media, Inc. label, ensuring a high-quality production that does justice to the intricate and nuanced performances. Whether you are a seasoned fan of classical music or a newcomer to the world of Lieder, "Lieder von Mörike" is an album that is sure to captivate and inspire.

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.