Hans Sommer's songs were originally written for the baritone voice, ensuring they are thoroughly cantabile for this vocal range without needing transposition.
Composer Biography
Hans Sommer abandoned an established scientific career, including working for the renowned Voigtländer camera firm, at age 47 to devote himself to music.
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.
Performer Biography
Manuel Lange, the pianist on this album, co-founded the MEISTERLIED concert series in Berlin with Sebastian Noack, which focuses on German romantic Lied.
Composer Biography
Hans Sommer, born Hans Friedrich August Zincken, was one of the founding fathers of German music copyright.
Performer Biography
Sebastian Noack, the baritone on this album, studied voice with Ingrid Figur and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau in Berlin, and later with Thomas Quasthoff.
Compositional Technique
The piano parts in Hans Sommer's songs are highly demanding, with an elaborate, polyphonic texture that creates an almost orchestral variety of colors.
