… as if the mesh of words were broken … (lieder recital)
Clare Lesser is a specialist in new vocal music and ‘is blessed with a gorgeous voice and terrific technique’ (Musical Pointers). Her previous releases have garnered great praise for her ability to cope with advanced technical requirements as well as being able to sing ‘straight’ with a most beautiful mellifluous tone and (thankfully) perfectly controlled vibrato.
Husband David accompanies and also provides a major work on this program of lieder by some of our age’s most inspired composers.
Both Lessers teach at New York University in Abu Dhabi as well as performing, recording and doing much research.
Heinz Holliger is perhaps best known as oboist and conductor but has a sizeable oeuvre including many song cycles, while Wolfgang Rihm is one of today’s highest achievers in the art of lieder composition. Finnissy’s work, on texts by Goethe, is an example of his vital contribution to the realm of modern vocal music.
Track Listing
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Heinz Holliger (b.1939):
Dörfliche Motive: Vier Bagatellen
- I. Der Berg hat einen roten Bart
- II. Ein Heimchen hüpft …
- III. Die Hand im Gras
- IV. Ganz plötlich Wolfgang Rihm (b.1952): Drei Hölderlin-Gedichte
- I. Abbitte
- II. Hälfte des Lebens
- III. An Zimmern Michael Finnissy (b.1946): Hier ist mein Garten
- I. Hier ist mein Garten
- II. Hinten im Winkel des Gartens Heinz Holliger (b.1939): Fünf Mileva-Lieder
- I. Der Abend kommt
- II. Mein Herz is starr geworden
- III. In die frühe Morgensonne
- IV. Königsblau ist der Himmel
- V. Möge sich dein Leben zu einem runden Kreise bilden David Lesser (b.1966):
- Dritte Trakl-Musik Heinz Holliger (b.1939): Sechs Lieder nach Gedichten von Christian Morgenstern
- I. Vorfrühling
- II. Der Abend
- III. Schmetterling
- IV. Vöglein Schwermut
- V. Vor Sonnenaufgang
- VI. Herbst
Reviews
“Metier Records presents vibrant proof that the art form of the Lied is alive and well. [We] could hardly ask for a finer interpreter than Clare Lesser (who is, to all intents and purposes, a latter-day Cathy Berberian). The combination of Clare Lesser’s pinpoint accuracy and understanding, plus David Lesser’s fine pianism and a splendid, truthful recording, is a powerful combination.
” —Colin Clarke
“This is a great CD… this album of modern lieder is irresistible. A large part of its success must fall to the remarkable vocal talent of soprano Clare Lesser. Goodly credit must also go to David Lesser for his remarkable piano playing in these involved songs. This all complements an ideal recording.
” —John France
