Love and Longing - Ravel / Dvorák / Mahler

Experience the enchanting vocals of Magdalena Kožená in her captivating album "Love and Longing - Ravel / Dvorák / Mahler," released in 2012 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. This exquisite collection features 18 tracks that span just over an hour, offering a rich tapestry of operatic and orchestral masterpieces.

The album is a stunning showcase of Kožená's silken mezzo-soprano, delivering definitive interpretations of some of the most luscious and enchanting orchestral-song repertoire. Accompanied by the Berliner Philharmoniker under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, Kožená's performance is both stirring and awe-inspiring.

The album includes three distinct song cycles: Antonín Dvořák's "Biblical Songs, Op. 99," orchestrated by Vilém Zemánek, Maurice Ravel's "Shéhérazade, M.41," and Gustav Mahler's "Rückert-Lieder," orchestrated by Max Puttmann. Each cycle offers a unique blend of musical styles and themes, from the profound and austere Biblical Songs to the seductive and enchanting Shéhérazade, and the bittersweet potency of the Rückert-Lieder.

Magdalena Kožená, renowned for her unadorned and sincere approach to her craft, brings a depth of sincerity and passion to each piece. Her performance of Dvořák's Biblical Songs, sung in Czech, is particularly noteworthy, offering a fresh and unfamiliar perspective that is both captivating and moving.

Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply appreciate the beauty of the human voice, "Love and Longing - Ravel / Dvorák / Mahler" is an album that will leave a lasting impression. The combination of Kožená's extraordinary talent, the Berliner Philharmoniker's virtuosity, and Sir Simon Rattle's masterful conducting makes this album a timeless treasure in the world of classical music.