Album insights
Magdalena Kozená's latest album showcases a diverse range of musical works, spanning from the Baroque to the 20th century. Teaming up with the acclaimed organist Christian Schmitt, the mezzo-soprano offers a captivating selection of spiritual songs hailing from Germany, Austria, France, England, and her native Czech Republic. The album features pieces by renowned composers like J.S. Bach, Hugo Wolf, and Franz Schubert, representing the German-speaking realm, while the French musical landscape is explored through works by Maurice Ravel, Georges Bizet, and the esteemed Parisian organist Maurice Duruflé. Kozená sheds light on lesser-known aspects of Bizet's "Agnus Dei" and Verdi's "Ave Maria," breaking away from their operatic fame to instead delve into the sacred depths of church music.