Immerse yourself in the twilight of the Lied with Matthias Goerne's captivating album, "Im Abendrot: Songs by Wagner, Pfitzner, Strauss." This exquisite collection, released on April 16, 2021, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, showcases the baritone's velvety voice and impeccable diction, accompanied by the masterful piano playing of Seong-Jin Cho.
Spanning a duration of one hour and three minutes, the album is a journey through the works of three renowned composers. It opens with Richard Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder, a cycle of five songs that demonstrate Wagner's unique compositional style. The album then delves into the lesser-known but equally compelling songs of Hans Pfitzner, a contemporary of Richard Strauss. Pfitzner's works, often overshadowed by his more famous peers, are brought to life with Goerne's distinctive interpretation.
The album culminates with a selection of songs by Richard Strauss, including his famous "Vier letzte Lieder" (Four Last Songs). These songs, composed near the end of Strauss's life, are a poignant reflection on mortality and the passage of time.
Matthias Goerne, known for his award-winning album of Beethoven songs, brings his signature clarity and depth to this collection. His collaboration with Seong-Jin Cho results in a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Im Abendrot" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.