Wolfgang Rihm - Rihm: 3 Liederzyklen (LP)

Dive into the captivating world of contemporary classical music with Wolfgang Rihm's "3 Liederzyklen," a stunning collection of song cycles that showcase the composer's unique voice and profound artistic vision. Released in 2003 under the esteemed label col legno, this album features three distinct cycles of songs, each setting poetry to music in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.

The album opens with "Ende der Handschrift," a cycle of eleven late poems by Heiner Müller, composed for voice and piano. This cycle is a testament to Rihm's ability to translate complex literary texts into evocative musical landscapes. The second cycle, "Nebendraußen," features eight poems by Hermann Lenz, also for voice and piano, offering a different tonal palette and poetic sensibility. The album concludes with "Rilke: Vier Gedichte," a setting of four poems by Rainer Maria Rilke, which provides a serene and introspective conclusion to the collection.

Performers Christoph Prégardien and Siegfried Mauser bring these works to life with their exceptional artistry. Prégardien's rich, expressive voice is perfectly complemented by Mauser's sensitive and nuanced piano playing, creating a seamless and immersive listening experience. With a duration of over an hour, this album is a substantial and rewarding exploration of Rihm's compositional style and his deep engagement with poetic texts.

"3 Liederzyklen" is a remarkable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection, offering a rich and varied exploration of contemporary song cycles. Wolfgang Rihm's unique voice and the exceptional performances by Prégardien and Mauser make this album a standout in the world of contemporary classical music.