Wolf: Orchesterlieder

Immerse yourself in the rich, expressive world of Hugo Wolf with the album "Wolf: Orchesterlieder," released on January 1, 2005, under the Harmonia Mundi label. This captivating collection showcases Wolf's mastery of the lieder form, featuring a stunning array of orchestral songs that span nearly 70 minutes of breathtaking music.

The album is divided into three distinct sections, each dedicated to a different literary source: Mörike-Lieder, Spanisches Liederbuch, and Goethe-Lieder. Wolf's settings of poems by Eduard Mörike are renowned for their lyrical beauty and emotional depth, with tracks like "Denk es, o Seele" and "Auf ein altes Bild" highlighting the composer's ability to translate poetic nuance into musical language.

The Spanisches Liederbuch section offers a taste of Wolf's fascination with Spanish culture and poetry. Songs like "Wenn Du zu den Blumen gehst" and "Herz verzage nicht geschwind" are imbued with a sense of passion and longing that is quintessentially Wolf.

Finally, the Goethe-Lieder section includes some of Wolf's most celebrated works, such as "Mignon" and "Der Rattenfänger," which demonstrate his ability to capture the essence of Goethe's poetry in his music.

Throughout the album, Wolf's unique orchestral language shines, with lush harmonies, evocative melodies, and masterful use of the orchestra to enhance the emotional impact of each song. Whether you're a longtime fan of Wolf's music or a newcomer to his work, "Wolf: Orchesterlieder" is sure to be a rewarding and enriching listening experience.