Sommer abandoned an established scientific career, including working for the renowned Voigtländer camera firm, at age 47 to dedicate himself to music.
Compositional Technique
Hans Sommer's songs were originally written for the baritone voice, ensuring a thoroughly cantabile style for this vocal range without needing transpositions.
Composer Biography
Hans Sommer regularly exchanged ideas about orchestration with Richard Strauss, who became a trusted friend and often discussed compositions with him.
Composer Biography
Hans Sommer, born Hans Friedrich August Zincken, was one of the founding fathers of German music copyright, a fact largely forgotten today.
Compositional Technique
The piano parts in Hans Sommer's songs are highly demanding and polyphonic, creating an almost orchestral variety of colors, far beyond mere accompaniment.
Performer Biography
Sebastian Noack, the baritone on this album, studied voice with renowned figures like Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Thomas Quasthoff.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hans Sommer's Late Romantic harmonies follow the tradition of Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt, yet his style remains unique, often with subtle irony and concrete musical evocations.
