Brazilian composer Alberto Nepomuceno (1864-1920) is considered to be the founder of Brazilian art song. He deeply absorbed the influence of the German Lied and French Mélodie, combined them with some characteristic rhythms and melodic elements from his native country, and during his lifetime produced the most important body of Brazilian art songs, perhaps to this day. Featured on this album are nine of his non-Portuguese songs, five of which are world premiere recordings. Also included are songs by his European contemporaries Ernest Chausson, Edvard Grieg, and Richard Strauss.