Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of German Romanticism with Carl Loewe's "Loewe: Lieder & Balladen," released on January 1, 2000, under the CPO label. This captivating collection spans a duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, featuring 16 tracks that showcase Loewe's mastery of the lied and ballad forms. The album is a testament to Loewe's profound ability to weave intricate narratives and evoke deep emotions through his compositions.
Loewe, a contemporary of Schubert and Mendelssohn, is celebrated for his contributions to the German lied tradition. This album offers a diverse array of his works, including ballads, songs of longing, and dramatic scenes. Highlights include "Des Bettlers Tochter von Bednall Green," a two-part ballad that tells the poignant story of a beggar's daughter, and "Der Fischer," a haunting ballad that explores themes of love and death.
The album also features several settings of texts by Goethe, including "Szene aus Faust" and "In die Ferne!" These works demonstrate Loewe's skill in setting some of the most celebrated poetry of the German language to music. Additionally, the album includes settings of Hebrew texts, such as "Jephtas Tochter" and "An den Wassern zu Babel," which showcase Loewe's versatility and his ability to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources.
Performances on this album are brought to life by renowned artists, with Roman Trekel and Cord Garben lending their talents to the vocal and piano parts, respectively. Their interpretations bring out the full depth and nuance of Loewe's compositions, making this album a treasure trove for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to Loewe's music.
Whether you are a fan of German Romantic music or simply looking to explore the rich heritage of the lied, "Loewe: Lieder & Balladen" offers a compelling journey through the works of one of the genre's most accomplished composers.