Liederabend

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Hugo Wolf's "Liederabend," a live album that showcases the masterful songwriting of this late Romantic composer. Recorded in 2017 and released by JSC "Firma Melodiya," this collection features a stunning array of 21 songs, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes.

The album opens with Wolf's Piano Sonata, Op. 1, performed with exquisite skill, setting the stage for the enchanting Mörike-Songs that follow. These songs, composed in a burst of creativity in 1888, are settings of poems by the beloved German poet Eduard Mörike. Each song is a gem, showcasing Wolf's unique ability to blend text and music into a seamless, expressive whole. From the haunting melodies of "The Drummer" and "The Huntsman" to the tender intimacy of "Insatiable Love" and "A Message," these songs offer a profound exploration of the human condition.

In addition to the Mörike-Songs, the album includes other notable works such as "Introduction and Song, Op. 37" and selections from "4 Songs, Op. 27." These pieces further demonstrate Wolf's mastery of the Lied form, his keen sensitivity to text, and his ability to create evocative musical landscapes.

"Liederabend" is a testament to Hugo Wolf's enduring legacy as one of the greatest song composers of all time. Whether you're a seasoned fan of classical music or a newcomer to the world of Lieder, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The live setting adds an extra layer of intimacy and immediacy, bringing you closer to the heart of Wolf's music.

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.