I come from a family of singers and I’ve always especially loved singing German Lieder, music written mostly in the 19th century by composers such as Franz Schubert, Richard Strauss and, here, Robert Schumann. I made a recording of Schumann’s “Dichterliebe” a few years ago. In this music, the piano part is just as important as the voice, as is the text of the song, invariably a poem by one of the great poets of the time. It all adds up to a very intense, emotional experience. Here are two songs from that song cycle. The lovely pianist is Virginia Perry Lamb.
Im wunderschönen Monat Mai:
Aus Meinen Tränen Spriessen:
Die Rose, Die Lilie, Die Taube, Die Sonne:
Wenn Ich in Deine Augen Seh:
Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen:
Und wüsstens die Blumen, die Kleinen:
Here is one more song—from a recital a long time ago— by the great American composer, Charles Ives, called “My Native Land.” The wonderful pianist is Joe Adams.
“My Native Land” by Charles Ives:
“My Native Land” by Charles Ives: