Wolf: Orchesterlieder

Immerse yourself in the rich, romantic world of Hugo Wolf with the 2005 release "Wolf: Orchesterlieder." This captivating album, performed by the esteemed Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester Berlin under the baton of Kent Nagano, features the powerful vocals of Juliane Banse and Dietrich Henschel, accompanied by the Rundfunkchor Berlin. The collection spans a little over an hour and nine minutes, offering a deep dive into Wolf's orchestral song compositions.

The album is a beautiful blend of Wolf's settings of poems by Eduard Mörike and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It includes the complete "Mörike-Lieder," a cycle of songs that showcases Wolf's mastery of the Lied form, and selections from the "Goethe-Lieder," which highlight his ability to translate Goethe's profound poetry into music. Additionally, the album features songs from the "Spanisches Liederbuch," adding a touch of international flair to the collection.

Wolf's music is known for its intense emotional depth and intricate musical language, and this album is no exception. The performances are nuanced and powerful, bringing out the full range of Wolf's expressive capabilities. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Wolf: Orchesterlieder" offers a compelling introduction to the works of one of the most important composers of the late Romantic period. The album was released under the Harmonia Mundi label and has garnered positive reviews for its faithful and evocative interpretations of Wolf's works.