Composer: Alma Mahler
Performer: Marianna Shirinyan, Elise Caluwaerts
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Fuga Libera
Catalogue: FUG796
Release: 2023
Size: 2.3 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
01. Leise weht ein erstes Blühn
02. Kennst du meine Nächte?
Songs, published 1910
03. No. 1, Die Stille stadt
04. No. 2, In meines Vaters Garten
05. No. 3, Laue Sommernacht
06. No. 4, Bei dir ist es traut
07. No. 5, Ich wandle unter Blumen
08. Einsamer Gang
Songs, published 1915
09. No. 1, Licht in der Nacht
10. No. 2, Waldseligkeit
11. No. 3, Ansturm
12. No. 4, Erntelied
Songs, published 1924
13. No. 1, Hymne
14. No. 2, Ekstase
15. No. 3, Der Erkennende
16. No. 4, Lobgesang
17. No. 5, Hymne an die Nacht
Mostly written in her youth, Alma Mahler’s Lieder are rarely performed, yet each one is a musical gem that forms an important part of the Romantic song repertoire. This album is the first recording that includes all 17 of her songs. Like her personality, Alma’s songs are mysterious, complex and profound and take the listener on a kaleidoscopic voyage where different layers in text and music can simultaneously express blistering religious sentiments, overwhelming eroticism and profound tenderness. With a rich and velvety sound Elise Caluwaerts reveals the full depths of this music: refined details are portrayed with appealing intimacy, exuberant, roller coaster-like chromatic lines are savoured, and text is interpreted with mouth-watering expertise. She is joined on this symbiotic journey by star pianist Marianna Shirinyan who performs on a Steinway from 1899 that exactly mirrors the colourful and warm piano sound that Alma had in mind when composing these beautiful songs.