Robert Stolz: Blumenlieder

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Written between December 1927 and April 1928, this cycle of 20 songs is quite unlike anything usually associated with Robert Stolz. In a direct line from the Viennese art songs of such composers as Schubert, it more than stands the comparison. It is a gem. Stolz wrote the Flower Songs following the collapse of a theatrical venture. He had bought a theater in Vienna to showcase his third wife's talents, but the show folded, she ran off with one of the actors, and he was declared bankrupt. Seeking refuge in Berlin, he slaved to pay off his debts by writing songs, cabaret numbers, operettas, and film scores. As light relief, he decided to set to music some poems by Bruno Hardt-Warden, the librettist of his only opera, The Rose of the Madonna. Each poem is devoted to a specific flower. Some are atmospheric, some tell stories, and Stolz brilliantly captures the mood of each. The cycle is given a stylish performance by German soprano Dagmar Schellenberger and Canadian pianist Shelley Katz. Four bonus tracks include two charming Christmas songs and the Ave Maria Stolz wrote at the prompting of Toscanini. Why this music is not better known is a mystery. This CD should put that right. --Richard Fawkes

Robert Stolz: Blumenlieder, Music, Robert Stolz, Shelly Katz, Dagmar Schellenberger, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Classical Vocals, Vocal

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Robert Stolz: Blumenlieder

Manufacturer: Cpo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004SYHH
Release Date: 2000-05-16

Tracks:

Motto
Forget-Me-Not
Chatter Poppy
Primrose
Violets
Lily
Autumn Crocuses
Edelweiss
Grape Blossom
Foxglove
Artificial Flower
Larkspur
Pansy
Sunflower
Fireballs
Snowdrops
Death's Flower
Daisy - Oracle Flower
Red Rose
Myrtle
Cornflowers
Cactus Flower
A Rose Blooms At Christmas Time
Dreams Under The Christmas Tree
Ave Maria

Amazon.com

Written between December 1927 and April 1928, this cycle of 20 songs is quite unlike anything usually associated with Robert Stolz. In a direct line from the Viennese art songs of such composers as Schubert, it more than stands the comparison. It is a gem. Stolz wrote the Flower Songs following the collapse of a theatrical venture. He had bought a theater in Vienna to showcase his third wife's talents, but the show folded, she ran off with one of the actors, and he was declared bankrupt. Seeking refuge in Berlin, he slaved to pay off his debts by writing songs, cabaret numbers, operettas, and film scores. As light relief, he decided to set to music some poems by Bruno Hardt-Warden, the librettist of his only opera, The Rose of the Madonna. Each poem is devoted to a specific flower. Some are atmospheric, some tell stories, and Stolz brilliantly captures the mood of each. The cycle is given a stylish performance by German soprano Dagmar Schellenberger and Canadian pianist Shelley Katz. Four bonus tracks include two charming Christmas songs and the Ave Maria Stolz wrote at the prompting of Toscanini. Why this music is not better known is a mystery. This CD should put that right. --Richard Fawkes