Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hugo Wolf's art songs with this captivating album, "Wolf: Art Songs." Released on January 15, 2021, by TACET Musikproduktion, this collection offers a compelling journey through the composer's masterful settings of German poetry. Spanning just over 54 minutes, the album features a selection of Wolf's most beloved and intriguing compositions, performed with exquisite sensitivity by soprano Marret Winger and pianist Steffen Hartmann.
The album opens with a series of "Alte Weisen," followed by excerpts from Wolf's celebrated Goethe-Lieder, Spanisches Liederbuch, Italienisches Liederbuch, and Mörike-Lieder. Each song showcases Wolf's unique ability to capture the essence of the poetry, whether it be the playful innocence of "Mignon" or the dramatic intensity of "Die Bekehrte." The performances are marked by a deep understanding of the music and a commitment to the texts, bringing the songs to life with vivid storytelling and technical virtuosity.
Hugo Wolf, though often overshadowed by his contemporaries, is a composer of profound depth and originality. His songs, with their intricate harmonies and evocative melodies, offer a window into the German Romantic tradition. This album is a testament to Wolf's enduring appeal and a delight for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to his music. The careful selection of songs and the high-quality performances make this album a standout in the repertoire of German art songs.