Richard Wagner composed the Wesendonck-Lieder during an affair with Mathilde Wesendonck, who wrote the five poems, two of which became studies for his opera Tristan und Isolde.
Performer Biography
Brian Zeger, the pianist on this album, is a leading collaborative pianist who has performed with many of the world's greatest singers and serves as Artistic Director of the Vocal Arts Department at The Juilliard School.
Composer Biography
Richard Strauss, born over fifty years after Richard Wagner, became an ardent Wagnerian despite his father's disapproval and began composing songs at 6 ½ years old.
Composition History
Richard Wagner originally titled the Wesendonck-Lieder 'Five Poems by an Amateur Set to Music for a Woman's Voice by Richard Wagner,' intending for Mathilde Wesendonck to accompany herself.
Performer Biography
Adrianne Pieczonka, the soprano on this album, is critically acclaimed for her interpretations of strong and tragic women in operas by Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Richard Strauss considered his songs his best work, creating 158 Lieder throughout his life, with his final composition being a song titled 'Malven'.
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