Rote Rosen: Lieder / Songs

Hybrid Disc (SACD Surround / SACD Stereo / CD Stereo)

"With an intense reading of my favourite song Allerseelen, an expressive Muttertändelein, a lively and flexible Hat gesagt - bleibt's nicht dabei and an inward Morgen! the recital is filled with wonderful things. In Morgen! violinist Ulf Wallin participates, playing the solo violin part from the orchestral version of the song - a nice novelty. Paul Rivinius is a sensitive accompanist, the sound is warm and attractive and Anna Lamberti's liner notes give a lot of valuable background information. There have been several excellent Strauss recitals lately and the back catalogue can boast a lot of fine achievements but this latest addition is without doubt worthy of a place near the top. More, please, BIS!"
(MusicWeb June 2009)

Richard Strauss, the great composer of symphonic poems and grand operas, wrote solo songs throughout his life: his first compositions, performed within his family circle, were songs and his setting of the poem Malven (Mallows) was to be the last piece he completed. Taking a keen interest in the possibilities and limitations of the human voice, Strauss in the solo song genre found the opportunity to try out various musical options and to discover his own individual style. But the writing of songs also served as a form of relaxation, a way of passing the time. The result is a varied spectrum of atmospheres, moods and emotions: from the jesting tone of Hat gesagt - bleibt's nicht dabei to the heart-felt declaration of love in Cäcilie and the portrayal of madness of the Three Songs of Ophelia.

Camilla Tilling, whose successful opera career in a very short time has taken her to some of the world's most prestigious venues - including Covent Garden, the Metropolitan, La Scala and La Monnaie - made her international breakthrough in the role of Sophie in Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. Ever since, Strauss's music has held a special place for her, and on her first solo recording she has chosen to perform some of her favourites among his songs. She is partnered by the fine German pianist Paul Rivinius, with violinist Ulf Wallin making a guest appearance in Morgen!, where he plays the solo that Strauss added when making an orchestral version of the song.