Karl Weigl: Selected Songs

Karl Weigl: Selected Songs is a captivating album that showcases the composer's passion for vocal music. Born in Vienna in 1881, Karl Weigl was immersed in a rich musical environment from a young age, and it was clear that writing for the voice was a particular passion of his. At just 15, he began taking composition lessons with Alexander Zemlinsky, a family friend, and this early start paved the way for a lifetime of creating beautiful, expressive music.

This album, released in 2015 on the Capriccio label, features 27 songs that demonstrate Weigl's mastery of the genre. With performances by Sophie Klußmann, Oliver Triendl, and Sebastian Noack, among others, the album is a treasure trove of musical delights. From the poignant '5 Songs from "Phantasus", Op. 9' to the charming '6 Children's Songs', Weigl's music is full of wit, elegance, and emotional depth.

The album's diverse range of works includes duets, songs for soprano and string quartet, and even a few surprises, such as 'The Invisible Light' and 'Ein Stelldichein, Op. 16'. Throughout, Weigl's music is characterised by its lyricism, intelligence, and a deep understanding of the human voice. With its beautiful performances and thoughtful programming, Karl Weigl: Selected Songs is an album that will appeal to fans of vocal music and those looking to discover a new favourite composer.

Karl Weigl, born in 1881 in Vienna, was a composer and pianist whose life and work spanned two continents and two world wars. Growing up in the vibrant musical culture of fin-de-siècle Vienna, Weigl studied piano with Alexander Zemlinsky and composition with Robert Fuchs, and even served as a repetiteur under the tutelage of Gustav Mahler. His early career flourished in his hometown, but the rise of Nazism forced him to flee in 1938. Settling in New York, Weigl continued to compose and teach, becoming a naturalized American citizen in 1943. His music, deeply rooted in the Viennese Post-Romantic style, includes a rich body of chamber and orchestral works that are increasingly being rediscovered and recorded. Weigl's personal life was also marked by his marriage to pianist and composer Vally Weigl, with whom he shared a deep artistic connection. Despite the challenges he faced, Weigl's compositions reflect a unique voice that deserves to be explored and celebrated.