Wolf: Italienisches Liederbuch, Mörike-Lieder

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hugo Wolf's songwriting with this comprehensive collection of his Lieder, featuring the "Italienisches Liederbuch" and "Mörike-Lieder." This double-disc set, released by Brilliant Classics, offers a sprawling journey through Wolf's vocal works, showcasing his mastery of the German Lied form.

The "Italienisches Liederbuch" is a cycle of 46 songs based on poems from a collection by Paul Heyse, translated from Italian. These songs are known for their vivid imagery and dramatic contrasts, offering a window into the late Romantic era's expressive power. The "Mörike-Lieder," on the other hand, are settings of poems by Eduard Mörike, one of Wolf's favorite poets. These songs are renowned for their intimate, personal tone and their exploration of nature and love.

Performers Christiane Oelze, Hans-Peter Blochwitz, Rudolf Jansen, and Siegfried Lorentz bring their considerable talents to these works, with Oelze's soprano and Blochwitz's tenor taking the lead in the "Italienisches Liederbuch," and Jansen's piano providing sensitive accompaniment throughout. Lorentz's baritone adds depth and warmth to the "Mörike-Lieder."

With a total duration of over two hours, this album offers an extensive exploration of Wolf's songwriting, from the dramatic highs of the "Italienisches Liederbuch" to the intimate moments of the "Mörike-Lieder." Whether you're a longtime fan of Wolf's music or a newcomer to his works, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire. The album's release date is November 25, 2013.