Brahms: Die Schöne Magelone, Op. 33

Featuring

Daniel Behle
Sveinung Bjelland
Hanz-Jürgen Schatz
Johannes Brahms

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Compositional Technique

Brahms's 'Magelone' Romances, Op. 33, represent a new compositional level, creating an almost symphonic style, particularly evident in the preludes and postludes, leading some to call it 'Brahms' sole opera'.

Performer Biography

Pianist Sveinung Bjelland is one of Norway's leading classical pianists, whose recording of Scarlatti and Mendelssohn sonatas earned him a Norwegian Grammy Award nomination in 2006.

Performer Biography

Hans-Jürgen Schatz, the narrator on CD 2, is an actor who has gained an excellent reputation as a reciter of literary texts and frequently collaborates with classical musicians.

Recording & Production

This double CD offers two ways to experience Brahms's 'Magelone' song cycle: one disc presents the songs without prose text, while the other includes a shortened version of Ludwig Tieck's narrative read before each song.

Composition History

Brahms's 'Magelone' Romances, Op. 33, were started in 1861 but not completed until 1869, which explains their relatively low opus number despite the long gestation.

Performer Biography

Tenor Daniel Behle is known for his versatility across concert, lied, and opera, with a repertoire spanning from Baroque to contemporary works.

Compositional Technique

Despite Brahms's emphasis on simplicity and folk song influence, none of the 'Magelone' Romances are pure stanza songs; instead, they skillfully blend folk-like melodies with the complexity of absolute music in the piano accompaniment.