Soprano Christiane Karg:
- “Secret Invitation”.
Christiane Karg and Richard Strauss both grew up amid Bavarian landscape; and Strauss now plays an ever greater part in Ms. Karg’s repertoire.
This CD of Strauss Lieder is a wonderful collection, especially in view of the forthcoming anniversary year, marking the composer’s 150th birthday.
Christiane Karg’s personal choice of these Lieder combines some familiar songs with those seldom-heard, and also lively songs with more reflective ones. One especially charming example is the song “”Alphorn”” written when Strauss was a mere twelve years old, requiring an obbligato horn, played on this recording by Felix Klieser. The horn frequently played a prominent part in Strauss’ music, likely because his father was a horn player.
The pianist is Malcolm Martineau, an exceptional artist in his own right, who navigates virtuoso hurdles with ease while giving the vocal part a steady foundation and outstanding support. One only needs to hear the opening bars of “Morgen” in order to capture that remarkable musical pulse. This is a real summit of musical achievement!
Here is Richard Strauss’ “Ständchen”, op. 17, Nr. 2 as performed by Christiane Karg, and pianist Malcolm Martineau:
And next, here is a fascinating video in which Christiane Karg tells us about her CD “Heimliche Aufforderung”:
Tags: Christiane Karg, Richard Strauss, Lieder, “Heimliche Aufforderung”, secret invitation
