The early 20th century was a flourishing period for lieder (art songs) in Sweden, with composers frequently setting poems by their literary colleagues.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in Swedish Radio studio 3 in April and May 2000, with Björn Noren as balance engineer and Björn Udden as producer and digital editor.
Recording & Production
The album's liner notes were written by Bengt Emil Johnson, with English translation by Roger Tanner and German translation by Kristina Sohngen Noren.
Performer Biography
Matti Hirvonen, the pianist, is a well-known soloist and chamber musician, and a discerning lieder interpreter who has collaborated with Olle Persson many times.
Performer Biography
Olle Persson, the baritone on this album, is known for his versatility and has performed in major opera houses in Sweden and internationally, including the Royal Albert Hall.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The composers featured on this album, Hans Gefors, Jonas Forssell, and Kjell Perder, have all composed operas but also felt a need to express themselves in more intimate formats like the lied.
Historical Context
During the latter half of the 20th century, the lied genre languished, possibly due to the rise of modernism in music and poetry.
