Rihm: 3 Liederzyklen

"Rihm: 3 Liederzyklen" is a captivating exploration of contemporary classical music, showcasing the profound artistry of composer Wolfgang Rihm. This album, released in 2003, features three distinct song cycles that set the poetry of Heiner Müller, Hermann Lenz, and Rainer Maria Rilke to music, performed by the renowned tenor Christoph Pregardien and pianist Siegfried Mauser. The album spans a rich duration of 74 minutes, offering a deep dive into the intricate and evocative world of modern lied.

Wolfgang Rihm, a prominent figure in contemporary classical music, demonstrates his mastery of the form with these song cycles. Each cycle is a testament to Rihm's commitment to the text, with a keen ear for melodic line and a deep respect for the poetic meaning. The album is a living document of one of the most important lied composers of our time, standing in the great tradition of Romantic art song that includes the likes of Schönberg, Berg, Brahms, and Schumann.

The first cycle, "Ende der Handschrift," features eleven late poems by Heiner Müller, composed for voice and piano in 1999. The second cycle, "Nebendraußen," comprises eight poems by Hermann Lenz, also for voice and piano, composed in 1998. The final cycle, "Rilke: Vier Gedichte," sets four poems by Rainer Maria Rilke to music, composed in 2000.

"Rihm: 3 Liederzyklen" is a unique and unusual collection of 20th and 21st-century lieder, where the text plays a pivotal role in the creation of the music. The album is a testament to the power of collaboration, with Pregardien's gorgeous voice and Mauser's gifted piano accompaniment bringing Rihm's compositions to life. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers a compelling journey into the world of contemporary lied.