Friedrich Gulda, whose 'Elfe' is featured, wrote his Eichendorff songs at age 16, the same year he won the International Piano Competition in Geneva.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album's concept explores the 'Otherworld' of nature spirits and elemental beings, which the artists suggest can be perceived by children and those 'heavenly blessed'.
Album & Artwork
This album, titled 'Dimensionen Anderswelt' (Dimensions Otherworld), is part of a CD trilogy exploring different dimensions of human existence.
Historical Context
The program spans a century and a half of music, from Carl Loewe's 'Sylphide' (1839) to Hermann Reutter's 'Einsame Nixe' (1971), focusing on the Romantic era's embrace of the 'Otherworld'.
Composition History
Some composers featured on this album, like Hans Sommer, were initially known in other fields; Sommer was a scientist and director of Germany's first technical college before becoming a composer.
Composer Biography
Edvard Grieg wrote many of his songs, including 'Mit einer Wasserlilie', for his wife, the singer Nina Hagerup, who also became his interpreter.
Performer Biography
Marlis Petersen, the soprano on this album, has been named 'Singer of the Year' three times by the German magazine 'Opernwelt' and is known for her portrayal of Alban Berg's Lulu.
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