The success of the songs of Hugo Wolf (1860-1903) is so great that it is easily forgotten that Wolf composed other genres as well. He was a great opera lover, but his own opera was not a success. His works for choir with orchestral accompaniment were appreciated. It is not surprising, because these works are very closely related to his songs. "Christnacht" is based on a poem by August von Platen
… and inspired by a German Christmas song. Two motifs run throughout the work, and these symbolize Christ as a child and as ruler of the world. "Elfenlied" is actually a relic of what should have been an opera about Shakespeare's "Midsummernight's dream". "Der Feuerreiter" from 1888 already existed in a version for solo voice and piano. Wolf arranged the work himself for choir and orchestra. The masterful piano accompaniment is also particularly beautiful as an orchestral version. The beautiful lines of Wolf also come into its own in the orchestra. From correspondence with friends, Wolf also appears to be very pleased with this work. The monumental character of his songs can also be found in his works for choir. The songs mentioned are on a CD of the Württembergischer Kammerchor, Chor der Staatlichen Hochschule für Musik Stuttgart and Ensemble Stuttgart conducted by Dieter Kurz. Also included are: "Dem Vaterland", "Morgenhymnus" and "Frühlingschor". (LW) _ The beautiful lines of Wolf also come into its own in the orchestra. From correspondence with friends, Wolf also appears to be very pleased with this work. The monumental character of his songs can also be found in his works for choir. The songs mentioned are on a CD of the Württembergischer Kammerchor, Chor der Staatlichen Hochschule für Musik Stuttgart and Ensemble Stuttgart conducted by Dieter Kurz. Also included are: "Dem Vaterland", "Morgenhymnus" and "Frühlingschor". (LW) _ The beautiful lines of Wolf also come into its own in the orchestra. From correspondence with friends, Wolf also appears to be very pleased with this work. The monumental character of his songs can also be found in his works for choir. The songs mentioned are on a CD of the Württembergischer Kammerchor, Chor der Staatlichen Hochschule für Musik Stuttgart and Ensemble Stuttgart conducted by Dieter Kurz. Also included are: "Dem Vaterland", "Morgenhymnus" and "Frühlingschor". (LW) _ Chor der Staatlichen Hochschule für Musik Stuttgart and Ensemble Stuttgart conducted by Dieter Kurz. Also included are: "Dem Vaterland", "Morgenhymnus" and "Frühlingschor". (LW) _ Chor der Staatlichen Hochschule für Musik Stuttgart and Ensemble Stuttgart conducted by Dieter Kurz. Also included are: "Dem Vaterland", "Morgenhymnus" and "Frühlingschor". (LW) _more
