Despite the substantial number of Lieder written for voice and piano in the 19th century, the guitar was also used occasionally as an accompaniment – it was Berlioz’s first instrument, and Schubert composed a number of Lieder for guitar and voice, considering himself a guitarist first and a pianist second. Therefore, while the three sets of German Songs by Louis Spohr on this recording were composed originally for piano and voice in 1816–1826, with editions for guitar appearing shortly after the original publications, we can be sure that Spohr would have approved of these arrangements.
The Mozart songs included on this disc were also originally composed for piano, with the exception of K351 and K349, which were written for mandolin accompaniment. Three of the songs were transcribed for guitar by Wenzeslaus Matiega (1773–1830) a Bohemian who was based in Vienna.
Mozart was Spohr’s idol, so it is fitting that these two composers’ songs have been programmed together to create a unique and complementary programme.
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Rare repertoire
- Booklet notes and sung texts
- World premiere recording made in 2009
