Songs Without Words

Murray Perahia's "Songs Without Words," released on November 5, 1999, under Sony Classical, is a captivating exploration of classical piano repertoire that showcases the artist's profound musicality and technical brilliance. This album spans a duration of one hour and six minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that blend the timeless elegance of Bach with the romantic expressiveness of Mendelssohn and Schubert.

The album opens with a selection of Bach's chorale preludes, including "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" and "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland," performed with a clarity and precision that highlight Perahia's deep understanding of Baroque music. These pieces are followed by a series of Mendelssohn's "Lieder ohne Worte" (Songs Without Words), which form the heart of the album. Perahia's interpretations of these piano pieces are marked by their lyrical beauty and emotional depth, demonstrating his ability to convey a wide range of moods and sentiments through the piano.

The album also features selections from Schubert's "12 Lieder" and Liszt's "Schwanengesang," arranged for solo piano. These pieces add a layer of romantic intensity to the collection, showcasing Perahia's versatility and his ability to navigate the complexities of these compositions with ease. The inclusion of these works alongside the Bach and Mendelssohn pieces creates a compelling contrast, highlighting the evolution of piano music from the Baroque to the Romantic era.

Throughout "Songs Without Words," Murray Perahia's playing is characterized by its sensitivity, nuance, and technical virtuosity. His performances are imbued with a sense of intimacy and reflection, inviting the listener to appreciate the subtleties and intricacies of each piece. This album is a testament to Perahia's enduring artistry and his ability to bring new insights to well-loved works, making it a cherished addition to any classical music collection.