Dive into the enchanting world of Walter Braunfels' song repertoire with this captivating collection of Lieder, released in 2016 on the CapriccioNR label. Spanning a little over an hour, this chamber music album is a treasure trove of German art songs, showcasing Braunfels' mastery of the Lied form. The album features a diverse range of compositions, from the intimate and deeply touching songs of his Op. 1 and Op. 4 collections to the whimsical bird-inspired pieces of his Federspiel series. The album also includes settings of Goethe's poetry, and even a selection of songs inspired by Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night."
Braunfels' songs are renowned for their simplicity and profound emotional resonance, with each piece offering a unique blend of poetic eloquence and musical ingenuity. The album is a testament to the composer's skill in crafting songs that are both accessible and deeply moving, making it an essential addition to any classical music lover's collection. The performances on this album are brought to life by a trio of accomplished musicians, who bring out the subtle nuances and expressive depth of Braunfels' compositions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Lieder, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2016 CapriccioNR2016 CapriccioNR
Tracks
6 Gesänge, Op. 1: No. 1, An den NachtwindWalter Braunfels, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 1: No. 2, BlondelWalter Braunfels, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 1: No. 3, Die stillen KahneWalter Braunfels, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 1: No. 4, Aus dem "Jahr der Seele"Walter Braunfels, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 1: No. 5, Die TolleWalter Braunfels, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 1: No. 6, Innere LandschaftWalter Braunfels, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
Fragmente eines Federspiels, Op. 7: No. 1, Die BachstelzWalter Braunfels, Marlis Petersen, Eric Schneider
Fragmente eines Federspiels, Op. 7: No. 2, Der GimpelWalter Braunfels, Marlis Petersen, Eric Schneider
Fragmente eines Federspiels, Op. 7: No. 3, Das ImmleinWalter Braunfels, Marlis Petersen, Eric Schneider
Fragmente eines Federspiels, Op. 7: No. 4, Das KönigleinWalter Braunfels, Marlis Petersen, Eric Schneider
Fragmente eines Federspiels, Op. 7: No. 5, Die NachtigallWalter Braunfels, Marlis Petersen, Eric Schneider
Fragmente eines Federspiels, Op. 7: No. 6, Die SchwalbeWalter Braunfels, Marlis Petersen, Eric Schneider
Fragmente eines Federspiels, Op. 7: No. 7, Der WiedehopfWalter Braunfels, Marlis Petersen, Eric Schneider
Fragmente eines Federspiels, Op. 7: No. 8, Der ZeisigWalter Braunfels, Marlis Petersen, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 4: No. 1, AbbitteWalter Braunfels, Anonymous, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 4: No. 2, Einziges GeschiedenseinWalter Braunfels, Anonymous, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 4: No. 3, An ein junges MädchenWalter Braunfels, Anonymous, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 4: No. 4, Der junge Knabe singtAnonymous, Walter Braunfels, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 4: No. 5, Rastlose LiebeWalter Braunfels, Anonymous, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
6 Gesänge, Op. 4: No. 6, FlussübergangAnonymous, Walter Braunfels, Konrad Jarnot, Eric Schneider
Walter Braunfels, born in Frankfurt in 1882, was a pivotal figure in German music, renowned for his contributions as a composer, pianist, and music educator. Hailing from a musically inclined family, Braunfels' early education was nurtured by his mother, a great-niece of the celebrated composer Louis Spohr. His formal training began with piano studies under James Kwast at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, followed by composition lessons with Ludwig Thuille in Munich. Braunfels' career flourished between the two world wars, during which he was one of the most frequently performed opera composers of his time. His notable works include the opera "The Birds," based on Aristophanes' comedy, and a rich repertoire of orchestral, chamber, and piano pieces. Despite facing adversity during the Nazi era, when his music was banned and he was labeled a "half-Jew," Braunfels' legacy endures. He also served as the founding director of the Cologne Academy of Music until 1933. His compositions, steeped in the German Classical-Romantic tradition, continue to captivate audiences with their depth and emotional resonance.
Vinylscout
Walter Braunfels
