Petersen: Art Songs

Wilhelm Petersen's "Petersen: Art Songs" is a captivating collection of classical vocal works, released on January 1, 2001, under the EigenArt label. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album is a testament to Petersen's mastery of art song composition, showcasing his ability to blend poetic texts with evocative melodies.

The album is divided into several sections, each exploring different literary sources. The first part, "Lieder aus Shakespeares Dramen, Op. 46," features nine songs inspired by Shakespeare's plays, translated into German. These songs delve into themes of love, loss, and the human condition, as seen through the lens of some of literature's most iconic characters.

The second section, "6 Gesänge nach Texten von Claudius, Hölderlin, George, Lenau, Trakl, Op. 45," presents six songs based on poems by various German poets. These songs offer a glimpse into the romantic and existential themes that permeate German literature.

The third part, "5 Lieder aus 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn', Op. 12," draws from the famous German folk poetry collection, "Des Knaben Wunderhorn." These songs are characterized by their simplicity and folk-like melodies, providing a contrast to the more complex compositions found elsewhere on the album.

The final section, "3 Oden von Klopstock, Op. 13," features three odes based on the works of Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, a prominent figure in German literature. These songs are notable for their grandeur and solemnity, reflecting the elevated style of Klopstock's poetry.

Throughout the album, Petersen's compositions are marked by their lyrical beauty and harmonic richness. His ability to capture the essence of each poem and translate it into music is evident in every track. Whether you're a fan of classical music, poetry, or simply appreciate the art of song, "Petersen: Art Songs" is an album that promises to enchant and inspire.