Brahms' unique playing style, characterized by arpeggiated chords and sparing pedal use, is difficult to replicate on a modern piano.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms had a clear preference for poets from his circle of friends, finding in their words expressions that touched him personally.
Compositional Technique
Brahms' Lieder often feature word-painting, using musical impressions of nature, metaphors, and images, similar to his model, Franz Schubert.
Recording & Production
This album is a coproduction with SRF 2 Kultur, a Swiss public radio station.
Composer Biography
Johannes Brahms wrote over 300 Lieder, including arrangements of German folk songs, partsongs, and choral Lieder.
Instruments
The recording uses an original fortepiano by J. B. Streicher, No. 7243 from 1871, which is the same model Brahms preferred to play at home.
Performer Biography
Marina Viotti, a mezzo-soprano on this album, was awarded 'Best Young Singer of the year' at the prestigious International Opera Awards in London in April 2019.
