Mendelssohn's Songs without Words simply defy ordinary description. Refined and nuanced, they constitute some of the composer's finest and best-known works. For nearly two hundred years, they were regarded as charming relics, select romantic gems performed in small concert halls and salons. While their subtle, ornamental qualities certainly shine brightest in more intimate settings, closer inspection reveals an unexpected depth and complexity to these miniature masterpieces. Their interpretive and technical demands are considerable, requiring sensitivity to voicing, pedaling and dynamic control. Meant to enchant rather than dazzle, they evoke myriad dreams revealing some of the composer's innermost reflections. Like private entries in a musical diary, they offer a rare glimpse into this reserved but passionate artist's thoughts.

Tracklist:

Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 8, Op. 102: No. 46 in G Minor, Op. 102, No. 4, MWV ... [02:14]
Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 6, Op. 67: No. 33 in B-Flat Major, Op. 67, No.
M... [03:26]
No. 14 in C Minor, Op. 38, No. 2, MWV U115 [02:29]
No. 18 in A-Flat Major, Op. 38, No. 6, MWV U119, "Duetto" [04:35]
Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 8, Op. 102: No. 45 in C Major, Op. 102, No. 3, MWV ... [01:40]
Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 4, Op. 53: No. 19 in A-Flat Major, Op. 53, No. 1, M... [03:56]
Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 2, Op. 30: No. 12 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 30, No. 6, ... [04:29]
No.
Prelude [03:37]
No.
For the left hand [02:33]
No.
Love Song - Duet [04:03]
No.
Berceuse [03:08]
No.
Elegy [04:47]
No.
Protest [04:36]
No.
Lullaby [03:21]
No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 19b, No. 2, MWV U80 [02:43]
No. 1 in E Major, Op. 19b, No. 1, MWV U86 [04:11]
No. 5 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 19b, No. 5, MWV U90 [03:46]
No. 6 in G Minor, Op. 19b, No. 6, MWV U78, "Venezianisches Gondellied" [02:41]
Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 5, Op. 62: No. 25 in G Major, Op. 62, No. 1, MWV U185 [03:39]
Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 6, Op. 67: No. 35 in B Minor, Op. 67, No. 5, MWV U184 [03:03]
Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 7, Op. 85: No. 40 in D Major, Op. 85, No. 4, MWV U190 [03:25

UPC: 053479226907
Label: Sono Luminus
Release Date: 9.22.23
Format: CD

Mendelssohn / Walden / Levingston - Without Words (CD)