Felicity Lott Sings Wolf Songs

Dive into the enchanting world of German Lieder with "Felicity Lott Sings Wolf Songs," a captivating collection of Hugo Wolf's masterful compositions, released in 1989 on the Chandos label. This album is a testament to the exquisite artistry of Dame Felicity Lott, one of the most celebrated sopranos of our time, accompanied by the masterful pianist Geoffrey Parsons.

Spanning a total of 19 tracks, this album is a journey through the poetic landscapes of Eduard Mörike and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, as interpreted by Hugo Wolf's evocative music. The Mörike-Lieder and Goethe-Lieder featured in this collection showcase Wolf's unique ability to blend the depth of German Romantic poetry with his own distinctive musical language. Each song is a miniature masterpiece, offering a glimpse into the human condition, from the tender intimacy of "An eine Äolsharfe" to the poignant longing of "Heimweh."

Felicity Lott's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, her voice imbuing each song with a profound sensitivity and expressive power. Parsons' piano playing is equally compelling, providing a rich and nuanced accompaniment that beautifully complements Lott's vocal artistry. Together, they bring Wolf's songs to life, revealing the intricate interplay of text and music that lies at the heart of the German Lied tradition.

"Felicity Lott Sings Wolf Songs" is a remarkable album that offers both connoisseurs and newcomers to the genre an opportunity to experience the profound beauty of Hugo Wolf's music. With a duration of just over an hour, it's an album that invites repeated listening, each playthrough revealing new layers of meaning and musical subtlety. Whether you're a long-time admirer of Felicity Lott or a curious explorer of the German Lied, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Hugo Wolf, born in 1860 in what is now Slovenia, was an Austrian composer who left an indelible mark on the world of art songs, or Lieder, during the late Romantic era. Known for his intense and expressive compositions, Wolf's music is celebrated for its psychological depth and dramatic scope. Influenced by the likes of Wagner, Liszt, and Schubert, his unique style brought a concentrated expressive intensity to the Lied form, setting it apart from other works of the time.

Wolf's life was marked by both brilliance and struggle. He battled depression and syphilis, and his tumultuous personal life earned him the nickname "der wilde Wolf" — the wild Wolf. Despite these challenges, he produced a body of work that includes masterpieces such as the Goethe Songbook and the Mörike-Lieder, which continue to captivate audiences with their themes of love, passion, and fairy tales. His influence on the German Lied is profound, and his compositions remain a cornerstone of the genre. Wolf's legacy endures, not just through his music, but also through his letters and the enduring impact he had on fellow composers like Gustav Mahler. His untimely death in 1903 at the age of 42 cut short a career that had already achieved so much, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire and move listeners.

Felicity Lott Sings Wolf Songs

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