Berg: Lyric Suite; Wellesz: Sonnets By Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Op.52

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of early 20th-century Viennese music with the Emerson String Quartet and renowned soprano Renée Fleming. This captivating album features two distinct yet complementary works that showcase the transition from late Romanticism to modernism.

At the heart of the album is Alban Berg's Lyric Suite, a complex and evocative work for string quartet, with a hauntingly beautiful version of the fifth movement featuring Renée Fleming's soprano. Berg, a member of the Second Viennese School, masterfully blends tonal and atonal elements, creating a deeply expressive and intellectually stimulating piece.

Complementing Berg's work is Egon Wellesz's Sonnets from the Portuguese, Op. 52, a cycle of songs based on the poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Wellesz, a contemporary of Berg and a fellow Viennese émigré, sets the sonnets with a keen sensitivity to the text, resulting in a series of songs that are both lyrically and musically captivating.

The Emerson String Quartet, known for their technical virtuosity and musical insight, delivers a compelling performance of Berg's intricate score. Renée Fleming's velvety soprano adds a layer of warmth and expressiveness to the Lyric Suite, while her nuanced interpretation of Wellesz's songs brings the poetry to life.

Recorded in 2014-2015, this album offers a rare opportunity to experience these works performed by some of the world's most esteemed musicians. With a total duration of 56 minutes, it's an album that demands and rewards close listening, revealing new depths with each hearing. The album was released on July 1, 2015, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label.

The Emerson String Quartet, renowned for over four decades, stands as one of the world's premier chamber music ensembles. Formed in 1976 by students at the Juilliard School, this American quartet is celebrated for its innovative approach, notably being one of the first to alternate its violinists between first and second chairs. Named after the esteemed poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, the quartet has left an indelible mark on the classical music scene. They have been the resident quartet at Stony Brook University and were the inaugural resident string quartet of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center from 1982 to 1989. Their extensive discography and numerous awards underscore their commitment to collaborative curiosity and internationalism, making them a must-experience for any classical music enthusiast.