Magdalena Kožená, the renowned mezzo-soprano, delivers a captivating and intimate collection of songs with "Songs My Mother Taught Me." Released on January 1, 2008, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album spans a little over an hour and twelve minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical styles and themes.
The album is a beautiful blend of Moravian folk poetry, gypsy melodies, and classical compositions, showcasing Kožená's remarkable versatility and emotional depth. She navigates through a diverse range of pieces, from the tender and nostalgic "Songs My Mother Taught Me" to the lively and rhythmic "Lads of Zvolyn." The selection includes works from notable composers such as Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, and traditional Moravian and Silesian folk songs collected by Helena Salichová.
Kožená's enchanting voice brings a unique charm to each piece, whether she is interpreting the melancholic "Silent and Lone the Woods" or the playful "Moravian Girl." Her ability to convey the essence of each song, from the deepest sorrow to the purest joy, makes this album a truly immersive experience.
"Songs My Mother Taught Me" is not just a showcase of Magdalena Kožená's vocal prowess but also a celebration of cultural heritage and musical tradition. The album is a testament to the timeless beauty of these songs and the enduring power of Kožená's artistry.
Ciganské melodie (Gypsy Melodies), Op. 55: 3. Silent and lone the woods (Ales je tichy kolem kol)Antonín Dvořák, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Národní písne a tance z Tesinksa (Folksongs and Dances from the Tesinskso Region), WV120: 3. Pasala volky [Out in the beechwood]Erwin Schulhoff, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Národní písne a tance z Tesinksa (Folksongs and Dances from the Tesinskso Region), WV120: 15. Kdyz jsem byla mamince na kline [On my mother's knee]Erwin Schulhoff, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Národní písne a tance z Tesinksa (Folksongs and Dances from the Tesinskso Region), WV120: 4. Sidej na vuz [Mount the waggon]Erwin Schulhoff, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Písne K Loutne: 1. Milovánie bez vídániePetr Eben, Magdalena Kožená, Michael Freimuth
Písne K Loutne: 2. I dare not askPetr Eben, Magdalena Kožená, Michael Freimuth
Písne K Loutne: 3. Quand ce beau printempsPetr Eben, Magdalena Kožená, Michael Freimuth
Písne K Loutne: 4. Ach Gott, wie weh tut scheidenPetr Eben, Magdalena Kožená, Michael Freimuth
Písne K Loutne: 5. Jakz sem te najprv poznalPetr Eben, Magdalena Kožená, Michael Freimuth
Písne K Loutne: 6. Stratilat sem miléhoPetr Eben, Magdalena Kožená, Michael Freimuth
An die EntfernteJan Jozef Rösler, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Písnicky na dve stránky (Songs on two pages, seven songs an Moravian folk poetry): 1. Devce z Moravy (Moravian Girl)Bohuslav Martinů, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Písnicky na dve stránky (Songs on two pages, seven songs an Moravian folk poetry): 2. Súsedova stajna (The Neighbour's Stable)Bohuslav Martinů, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Písnicky na dve stránky (Songs on two pages, seven songs an Moravian folk poetry): 3. Nadeje (Hope)Bohuslav Martinů, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Písnicky na dve stránky (Songs on two pages, seven songs an Moravian folk poetry): 4. Hlásný (The Night Watchman)Bohuslav Martinů, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Písnicky na dve stránky (Songs on two pages, seven songs an Moravian folk poetry): 5. Tajná láska (Secret Love)Bohuslav Martinů, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Písnicky na dve stránky (Songs on two pages, seven songs an Moravian folk poetry): 6. Bozi muka (The Wayside Cross)Bohuslav Martinů, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Písnicky na dve stránky (Songs on two pages, seven songs an Moravian folk poetry): 7. Zvolenovci chlapci (Lads of Zvolyn)Bohuslav Martinů, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Slezké písne (ze sbírky Heleny Salichové) [Siesian Songs (from Helena Salichová's Collection)]: 7. Aj, co to je za slavicekLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau
Slezké písne (ze sbírky Heleny Salichové) [Siesian Songs (from Helena Salichová's Collection)]: 10. V cernym leseLeoš Janáček, Magdalena Kožená, Malcolm Martineau