Album insights
It's remarkable that works of a great composer of Western music could remain unpublished and unheard for over 150 years. This was unfortunately the case with Felix Mendelssohn until recently. Pianist Eugene Asti compiled 46 previously unknown songs by the composer, shedding light on Mendelssohn's diverse compositions. Some were youth works providing insights into his musical development, while others were occasional pieces or gifts to friends. A few remained unfinished, possibly due to not meeting his high standards or being distracted by other tasks. Mendelssohn's reception, especially in comparison to Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms, played a role in his neglect and rediscovery. The newly published works demonstrate Mendelssohn's willingness to experiment with new song forms and expressive harmonies beyond his graceful melodies and strophic structures.
At the beginning of this CD is a famous song composed in 1830 as part of op. 9. Mendelssohn's setting of Ludwig Uhland's poem "Frühlingsglaube" exudes joy and anticipation for spring. Another piece, "Der Verlassene," stands out for its dark tone and poignant portrayal of a forsaken man. Mendelssohn's early maturity is evident in the emotional depth of this work. "Seltsam, Mutter, geht es mir" and "Der Wasserfall" delve into different scenes, each conveying unique emotions and musical experimentation. Mendelssohn's willingness to embrace new styles and harmonies shines through in these rediscovered compositions.
"Am Seegestad'" and "Durch Fichten am Hügel" showcase Mendelssohn's artistry in interpreting poems by Matthisson. These lyrical settings reflect the essence of nature and love, emphasizing delicate nuances in composition. The thematic elements in these songs resonate with the simple beauty and emotional depth prevalent in Mendelssohn's works. Additionally, "Die Vier Lieder von 1830" demonstrate Mendelssohn's venture into a song cycle format, weaving together different poems to create a cohesive narrative.
Mendelssohn's engagement with various literary sources is seen in works like "Tanzt dem schönen Mai entgegen" and "Warum sind denn die Rosen so blass?" where he masterfully interprets texts by different poets. His ability to capture the essence of each poem through music is evident in the diverse emotions conveyed in these compositions. "Rausche leise, grünes Dach" and "Erinnerung" offer poignant reflections on life and loss, highlighting Mendelssohn's sensitivity to lyrical themes.
The incorporation of medieval texts in pieces like "Maienlied" and "Andres Maienlied" showcases Mendelssohn's versatility in blending historical elements with a contemporary musical approach. The vibrant imagery and storytelling in these songs evoke a sense of timelessness and enchantment. Mendelssohn's dedication to setting poetry to music is further evident in "Hüt du dich" and "Die Nachtigall," where he captures the essence of the poetic verses with melodic grace and emotional depth.
Through his musical interpretations of poems by Heine, Mendelssohn delves into themes of love, memory, and human emotions. The delicate nuances in settings like "Erinnerung" and "Warum sind denn die Rosen so blass?" encompass Heine's lyrical richness and introspective musings. Mendelssohn's creative engagement with these texts underscores his profound storytelling ability and emotional depth as a composer.
In conclusion, Mendelssohn's musical exploration of literary works demonstrates his profound understanding of poetry and its emotional resonance. The diverse array of settings ranging from medieval texts to contemporary poetry showcases Mendelssohn's versatility and artistic sensitivity in translating words into music. His compositions stand as a testament to the enduring union of poetry and music in the realm of classical art.