Songs

Description

This world premiere recording traces the journey of Tekla Griebel Wandall, from her beginnings in the 1890s to the esoteric visions of her later years. It features a superb cast of young Danish singers who bring the composer's vibrant melodies to life. From the macabre irony of a setting of a poem by Heinrich Heine to the profound emotional journey of the poems by J. P. Jacobsen, Wandall explores seemingly irreconcilable contrasts, playing with form and emotion.Tekla Griebel Wandall grew up in a family of German musicians who struggled to make ends meet. After attending an opera at the Royal Danish Theatre, she knew her calling was to become a composer and write operas. She made her debut as a composer in the 1890s. However, the period of obscurity that followed reveals a tragic story marked by depression, a failed marriage, and a life of poverty. Despite everything, she remained determined to compose until the end of her days. She was particularly fond of songs where she could express her true passion: narrative and expressive music, intimately linked to the plot and lyrics.The world premiere recordings on this album present a selection of her songs, highlighting her sense of drama and nostalgia, her irony and humor. This album constitutes an important first step towards the recognition that the music of Tekla Griebel Wandall deserves. It was recorded by four remarkable young artists: Louise McClelland Jacobsen (soprano), Sophie Haagen (mezzo-soprano), Kristoffer Appel (tenor), and Asmus Hanke Frederiksen (baritone), who offer the first performances of these rarely played songs. They are accompanied on piano by Laurits Dragsted.