Irrsal: Lieder by Hugo Wolf

Delve into the profound and introspective world of Hugo Wolf's "Irrsal: Lieder" a captivating collection of songs that showcase the composer's deep connection to the poetry of Eduard Mörike. Released on September 20, 2013, under the Evil Penguin Classic label, this album spans a concise yet impactful 38 minutes, featuring 14 tracks that embody the essence of Wolf's lyrical genius.

The album is a testament to Wolf's mastery of the Lied, a German art song form that combines poetry and music in a deeply personal and expressive manner. Each track, from the haunting "Karwoche" to the serene "An den Schlaf," is a journey through the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and longing with unparalleled sensitivity.

"Irrsal: Lieder" is performed by the esteemed Dietrich Henschel, accompanied by the Royal Flemish Philharmonic under the direction of Philippe Herreweghe. The orchestrations by Igor Stravinsky, particularly in tracks like "Herr, Was trägt der Boden hier" and "Wunden trägst Du, mein Geliebter," add a layer of richness and complexity to Wolf's compositions, elevating the listening experience to new heights.

Recorded in the acoustically superb AMUZ, Antwerp, between June 29 and July 1, 2013, this album benefits from exceptional production values that bring out the finest details in Wolf's music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Irrsal: Lieder" offers a compelling introduction to the works of Hugo Wolf, one of the most influential composers of the late Romantic era.

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.