Heinrich Hofmann: 
"Das Märchen von der
schönen Melusine"

with Farnoosh Rahimi, Austėja Valušytė and Valentin Ruckebier.

Heinrich Hofmann's Musical Legacy

With our latest release we are showcasing the works of 19th-century composer Heinrich Hofmann. Born in Berlin in 1842, Hofmann's classical influences, including Mendelssohn and Schumann, shaped his distinct style marked by lyrical melodies and emotional depth.

The premiere features Valentin Ruckebier in the heartfelt aria "Raimunds Lied" and a beautiful duet with Farnoosh Rahimi, bringing to life the narrative of "Das Märchen von der schönen Melusine." This cantata, set for orchestra, chorus, and soloists, unfolds a captivating love story between the knight Raimund and the mythical mermaid Melusine, based on the text by Wilhelm Osterwald. In the duet, Raimund confesses his love to Melusine, and the two come together. However, their love can only exist under a condition, the disregard of which ultimately leads to the knight's death. Dive into Hofmann's historical significance and timeless compositions.

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About the composer Heinrich Hofmann

Heinrich Hofmann (1842–1902), a German composer and pianist born in Berlin, left an indelible mark on 19th-century classical music. Early in life, he displayed musical talent, initiating his formal education at the renowned Berliner Konservatorium. Hofmann's stylistic echoes of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Robert Schumann are characterized by lyrical melodies, expressive harmonies, and a profound emotional depth.

Despite a decrease in contemporary performances, Hofmann's compositions, including the widely performed "Frithjof-Symphonie" from 1873, gained significant popularity during his lifetime. Noteworthy among his works is the cantata "Das Märchen von der schönen Melusine," a testament to his ability to breathe life into mythical narratives through orchestral, choral, and soloist elements.

Heinrich Hofmann's musical legacy continues to be celebrated for its historical importance, inviting audiences to rediscover the beauty and emotional resonance embedded in his contributions to classical artistry.

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Victor Nessler:
Three Ballads, Op. 37  

with Austėja Valušytė and Johannes Wedeking

Unveiling Shadows of the Past: Nessler's Ballads Come Alive

We are thrilled to announce the world premiere recordings of Victor Nessler's captivating 'Three Ballads for a Bass Voice', op. 37, available now on YouTube and for streaming. These pieces, steeped in medieval lore and performed with profound depth by bass Johannes Wedeking and pianist Austėja Valušytė, bring to life the tales of 'Der wunde Ritter,' 'Der Rattenfänger,' and 'Der Pilgrim vor St. Just.'

Victor Nessler, renowned for his melodic brilliance and emotional depth, paints vivid narratives with his compositions. These recordings offer a rare glimpse into the composer's exploration of medieval themes, showcasing the timeless allure of his music.

Join us in celebrating this significant addition to the classical music repertoire. Explore the haunting beauty of Nessler's ballads and immerse yourself in the stories they tell. Listen now and let the magic of these historical narratives resonate with you.

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About the composer Victor Nessler

Victor Ernst Nessler (1841–1890) was a German composer best known for his operas and art songs, which have captivated audiences with their melodic charm and rich harmonies. Born in Baldenheim, Alsace, Nessler's musical journey began in Strasbourg, where his talent quickly became evident, leading him to pursue formal studies in Leipzig. It was here that Nessler's distinctive style began to take shape, blending the romantic fervor of his time with a keen sense for drama and narrative depth.

Nessler's operas, such as "Der Trompeter von Säckingen" and "Der Rattenfänger von Hameln," showcase his ability to weave compelling stories with memorable music. These works gained considerable popularity in the late 19th century, celebrated for their accessible melodies and engaging plots that often drew upon German folklore and medieval themes.

Beyond the opera stage, Nessler's art songs reflect his lyrical sensitivity and a deep understanding of the voice. His compositions in this genre are notable for their emotional expressiveness and the seamless integration of vocal lines with piano accompaniment, making them cherished pieces in the lieder repertoire.

Throughout his career, Nessler remained dedicated to creating music that resonated with the public, achieving a balance between artistic innovation and widespread appeal. Despite his success, his works have become less frequently performed over time, making recent recordings and performances of his music especially valuable for introducing his oeuvre to new audiences.

Victor Ernst Nessler's contribution to the world of music remains significant, offering a bridge between the traditions of German romanticism and the evolving tastes of the late 19th century. His legacy continues to be appreciated by those who explore the depths of his compositions, discovering the timeless beauty and emotional depth of his musical narratives.

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Joachim Raff: Piano-Suite No. 3

with Hyelim Kim

One of Raffs greatest piano works

In august we start the series "stille liebe Live-Sessions". The first in the series will be Joachim Raff's Suite für das Pianoforte Nr. 3, op. 72, which will be released on August 13th. The work is based on the baroque suite movements and yet comes with the virtuosity and powerful sound of a highly romantic piano composition. In the suite movements, Raff falls back on a main theme, which he takes up and varies again and again in an artistic and technically demanding manner. Hyelim Kim knows how to interpret the work in its very demanding structure with a wonderful ease and joy of playing. The recordings are published on all common streaming platforms and on youtube as a complete live video.

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Joachim Raff: Die Eifersüchtigen

Live-Recording with Joonas Pitkänen, Orchestra of Europe, Martin Roth, Benjamin Popson,  Serafina Giannoni,
 Balduin Schneeberger, Raísa Ierone,  Matthias Bein, Mirjam Fässler

The rediscovery of an opera

In autumn 2022, the opera "Die Eifersüchtigen" by Joachim Raff was premiered in Zurich by the Zurich Opera Collective. The Finnish conductor Joonas Pitkänen, who led the Orchestra of Europe and an excellent ensemble of singers, had the musical part. The opera was recorded in its entirety during the performances and an extra session. The "Eifersüchtigen" will appear on CD next year.

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Joachim Raff: Lieder

with Marina Unruh, Frederike Schulten, Lisa Wedekind
Wolfgang Klose, Johannes Wedeking, Hedayet Jonas Djeddikar

29 unsung Masterpieces

In the spring of 2020 recordings were made in the Kulturzentrum Immanuelskirche Wuppertal. The double-album is released by Sterling Records (sterlingcd.com) and contains 29 unknown pieces written across his whole composing career. The tracklist ranges from one of the earliest art-song compositions by Raff (Drei Lieder, to texts by J.G. Fischer, Op. 47; 1848) to songs from such later cycles as The Language of Flowers, Op. 191 (1874) and Blondel de Nesle, Op. 211 (1880). The CD is available since May 2021 at several resellers (jpc.de, amazon, itunes, etc. ). 

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About the composer Joachim Raff

Despite the abundance and high quality of Joachim Raff's (1822-82) songs, this part of his oeuvre is little known and documented - in contrast to his instrumental works, which have been recorded several times. Raff's song oeuvre has hardly been the subject of music-historical research. We sincerely hope and wish that this recording, which consists entirely of premiere performances, can interest someone in Raff's songs - so that we can encounter them more often in concerts. While Joachim Raff was in Liszt's employ, the older composer encouraged his younger colleague to devote himself to the creation of religious music literature. Raff was much more interested in keyboard and vocal music in general and the theater in particular. In July 1853 Raff composed his setting of the Te Deum, a rare concession to Liszt's encouragement, in response to a commission from the Roman Catholic Church in Weimar.
(Text by Hedayet Jonas Djeddikar and Johannes Wedeking)

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© 2024 by stille liebe, last update March 29, 2024

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