Many melodies in Brahms's folk-song collections, such as the 49 Deutsche Volkslieder, were not authentically native but were sourced from early ethnomusicologists like August Wilhelm von Zuccalmaglio.
Recording & Production
This album is a reissue that gathers together three Brahms Lieder albums Michael Volle recorded in spring 2007.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms considered folk-song to be the ideal for his Lieder, aiming for an 'art that conceals art' in his compositions.
Interpretation
Michael Volle believes that singing Lieder requires vulnerability, as the performer is 'naked' without the distractions of opera's action, setting, or costumes.
Composition History
Brahms regarded his collection of 49 Deutsche Volkslieder WoO33 as his crowning achievement in the field of Lieder, taking more pleasure from compiling it than anything else.
Composition History
Brahms composed the Vier Ernste Lieder (Four Serious Songs) in the wake of Clara Schumann's death in May 1896, intending it as a requiem for his closest friend and his own farewell to song-writing.
Performer Biography
Michael Volle, a bass-baritone, primarily works in opera, which limits his opportunities to perform Lieder in public to about three or four recitals a year.
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