Wolf: Italienisches Liederbuch

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Hugo Wolf's "Italienisches Liederbuch," a timeless collection of art songs that showcases the composer's unparalleled mastery of the German Lied. Released on July 1, 1999, under the esteemed Chandos label, this album is a testament to Wolf's profound understanding of human emotions and his ability to translate them into music of breathtaking beauty and intensity.

Spanning a concise yet impactful 53 minutes, the album features a selection of 38 songs from the "Italienisches Liederbuch," a cycle of 46 songs composed by Wolf to poems by Paul Heyse. Each song is a miniature masterpiece, blending Wolf's rich harmonic language with the vivid imagery and emotional depth of Heyse's poetry. The album opens with "Auch kleine Dinge," a delicate and introspective piece, and closes with "Ich hab in Penna einen Liebsten wohnen," a song that encapsulates the cycle's themes of love, longing, and loss.

Wolf's compositions are brought to life by a talented cast of singers and pianists, whose performances are marked by technical precision and deep emotional resonance. The album's production is equally impressive, with Chandos' signature clarity and warmth bringing out the finest details in the music.

Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of art songs, "Italienisches Liederbuch" is an essential addition to your collection. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring power of music to express the deepest recesses of the human heart.