Beethoven's choice of lyrical texts was primarily motivated by a feeling of personal connection to the content, rather than a literary principle.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's lieder frequently explore themes of 'love', 'friendship', 'yearning', 'hope', 'resignation', and 'lamentation', often using repetition and a 'hopeful allegro' at the end of songs.
Instruments
The grand piano used for this recording is a Carl Strobel from Vienna, dating from 1824/1825.
Performer Biography
Daniel Behle, the tenor on this recording, was honored as 'Singer of the Year' in 2020 with OPUS Klassik and is also a composer.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's lieder are seen as a 'hinge function' between 18th-century song tradition and the new lieder of the 19th century, according to musicologist Walter Dürr.
Composer Biography
Despite composing over eighty lieder for voice and piano, Beethoven's song compositions often play a minor role in his biographies.
Performer Biography
Jan Schultsz, the pianist, is an internationally active conductor and pianist who regularly performs with renowned singers and has founded the Opera St. Moritz.
