Classical Music | Soprano

Recorded on 11/09/2004, uploaded on 01/10/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Richard Strauss was a master of vocal composition, and he had a particular reverence for the soprano voice, in part inspired by his happy marriage to the operatic soprano Pauline de Ahna. On one occasion, he commented, “I thank my Almighty Creator for the gift and inspiration of the female voice.” Strauss began composing lieder in his early years as a composer, and continued to do so right up until his death in 1949. Some of Strauss’s songs, such as the famous “Allerseelen,” have entered the standard repertoire. Yet, despite his superb writing for the voice, and his ability to masterfully handle the dramatic as well as the sentimental, many of his songs are often overlooked.

One of these seldom heard works is Mädchenblumen, op. 22. Composed in 1886-88, Mädchenblumen is one of Strauss’s early sets of lieder. On text by the German author, lawyer, and historian, Felix Dahn, each of its four songs describe a particular flower—“Kornblumen” (“Cornflowers”), “Mahnblumen” (“Poppies”), “Epheu” (“Ivy”), and “Wasserrose” (“Waterlily”)—and draws from them an allegory of a different type of girl. The texts are picturesque and charming, and Strauss’s music, filled with late Romantic vigor, effortlessly matches their varying sentiments. Strauss’s lyricism abounds in Kornblumen and Epheu, with soaring melodies and rich, affectionate accompaniments. Mahnblumen, on the other hand, is more playful. Jocular trills and staccato chords support its spirited vocal melody. Lastly, Wasserrose is serene, and glistens like the aquatic habit of its flower with the delicate accompaniment of broken chords and tremolandi provided by the piano.       Joseph DuBose

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Mädchenblumen, Op. 22 (Felix Dahn)           Richard Strauss

Richard Strauss concentrated on different genres of composition (chamber music, symphonic poems, operas, etc.) at different periods, but he composed songs throughout his life.  He composed 214 vocal works, approximately 150 of which are lieder. 

Many of Strauss' finest songs pay tribute to his wife Pauline, who was at first his pupil, and then his wife.  Pauline was a very fine soprano, and considered one of the best exponents of his beautiful works.  Mädchenblumen, a rather early set of songs - were composed in 1888 to poems by Felix Dahn. The songs contain soaring lyricism and beautifully reflect the varying moods of the poems, which compare girls to their botanical equivalents:  a flowing melody for the cornflower, lively brilliance for poppies, clinging sentiment for ivy and delicate fantasy for the water lily.   Tamara Matthews

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.