Pfitzner: Complete Lieder, Vol. 1

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Hans Pfitzner's lyrical artistry with "Pfitzner: Complete Lieder, Vol. 1." This exquisite collection, released on Naxos in 2013, spans nearly the entirety of Pfitzner's compositional life, showcasing his mastery of the Lied form. The album features a rich assortment of songs for high voice, composed from the early to the later years of his career, offering a comprehensive journey through his evolving musical language and expressive depth.

The album opens with selections from Pfitzner's Op. 2 and Op. 5, revealing the composer's early explorations of poetic texts by A. Bottger, H. von Lingg, and A. Kaufmann. As you progress through the disc, you'll encounter the haunting beauty of "Verrat" from Op. 2 and the tender "Wiegenlied" from Op. 5, demonstrating Pfitzner's ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his music. The collection also includes works from his middle and later periods, such as the evocative "Venus mater" from Op. 11 and the introspective "Gebet" from Op. 26, showcasing his continued innovation and refinement of the Lied form.

One of the highlights of this volume is the inclusion of the complete "Alte Weisen, Op. 33," a cycle of folk-inspired songs that highlights Pfitzner's ability to blend traditional melodies with his own distinctive voice. The album concludes with selections from the "6 Jugendlieder," offering a glimpse into the composer's later years and his enduring fascination with the human experience.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, this album is a testament to Pfitzner's enduring contribution to the Lied genre. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Pfitzner's music or a newcomer to his work, "Pfitzner: Complete Lieder, Vol. 1" is an essential addition to your classical music collection.