Schubert's song cycle "Schwanengesang" is presented on this recording in an arrangement for viola, an instrument considered close to the human voice.
Recording & Production
This album is a co-production between Deutschlandradio and Avi-Service for music, recorded in June 2016 at Deutschlandradio Kultur, Studio Britz in Berlin.
Album & Artwork
The album title "Schwanengesänge / Swan Songs" refers to the Greek myth of swans singing with unearthly beauty in anticipation of death, symbolizing the final works of two composers.
Performer Biography
Lauma Skride, the pianist, received an Echo-Klassik Award in 2007 as Best Young Artist and is known for her interpretations of German classical and romantic repertoire.
Performer Biography
Pauline Sachse, the violist, was appointed professor at the Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber in Dresden in 2013, leaving her solo position at the Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester Berlin.
Instruments
Pauline Sachse, the violist on this recording, performs on a 1610 viola named "Madame Butterfly," made by Paolo Maggini in Brescia.
Composition History
The compositions on this album are the last works of Franz Schubert and Dmitri Shostakovich, created at the end of their lives.
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