Search - Wolf, May, Renzikowski :: Moerike Lieder

"Mörike ? complete and bargain-priced! Wolf?s masterly settings of Mörike are unique in two respects. They were written in a period of extraordinary inspiration in the spring of 1888, and they surely represent the most comprehensive understanding of a poet?s work by any composer. The 53 pieces, taking in songs of fantasy, happy and unhappy love, religion and philosophy, box the compass of moods...Now Frauke May, controversially, tackles the whole lot, paying no attention to the gender of the protagonist. May?s achievement, with her thoroughgoing partner, is considerable. Her rich mezzo, expressively used, and her keen intellect match the challenge that she has set herself. She takes the weight of her tone for the lighter pieces, catches the wit of the ?funnies?, and gives suitable import to the love songs...Arte Nova offers five extra songs not in the published set: it is a real bargain, 160 minutes of accomplished if not wholly convincing interpretation."-GRAMOPHONE