The title of this disc,
Ein Jugendfreundschaft, which is
translated here as
A Meeting of Young Minds, refers to the first
meeting in 1877 of
Ludwig Thuille and
Richard Strauss and the formation of their friendship, one which was to last
until Thuille’s tragically early death at the age of 45.
Whilst the music of Richard Strauss is well known that of Ludwig Thuille
is only now finally becoming better known, mainly due to the pioneering
recordings made by ASV, but now also through the fine discs from CPO (
review ~
review),
Champs Hill (also
here),
Capriccio and Naxos (chamber music: 8.572870 and
8.570790). This latest disc from the Polish Dux label is a welcome addition
as it only serves to show what an accomplished composer he was. Thuille was
born in the Tyrolean town of Bosen, which is now in Italy, but at the age of
11 both his parents died and he moved to Kremsmünster in Austria to live
with his step-uncle. There he showed his ability as a musician and it wasn’t
long before he was sent to Innsbruck for further study. It was in Innsbruck
during the summer of 1877 that he first met Strauss.
Although the booklet notes points to the recording being dedicated to
“Lieder that mostly remains unknown.” most of the Thuille and all of the
Strauss have been recorded before. Whilst it is a nice idea to build the
recording around the friendship between the two composers and their songs,
it would have been, for me, better if they had stuck to a single composer,
although it is understandable why they have a mixed programme, as the
addition of the Strauss certainly makes this disc more commercially
attractive.
This is an intelligent Lieder programme - one that shows both composers at
their best as well as a wealth of fine music, and not just from Strauss.
Indeed there were times that I had to check that Thuille’s songs were not
those by Strauss. In fact my favourite songs here are not those by the more
famous composer.
Sabina von Walther and Helmut Deutsch prove themselves wonderful
interpreters of this music. There seems to be a real understanding in their
partnership which can be seen in the apparently effortless beauty of these
recordings. I would have no hesitation in commending this recording to
anyone seeking to investigate the songs of Thuille or even Strauss. It would
make an excellent introduction.
The recording is well done, crisp yet sympathetic to the artists and the
music. It is accompanied by a well thought out and helpful booklet, which
although it contains the full German texts of the songs sadly there are no
translations. There are however translations readably available in various
books and websites and it doesn’t take long to track them down.
Stuart Sillitoe
Contents List
1. Thuille: Waldeinsamkeit Op.12 No.1
2. Strauss: Die erwachte Rose
3. Thuille: Nächtliche Pfade Op.7 No.5
4. Strauss: Waldesgesang
5. Thuille: Ich wollt ein Sträusslein binden Op.24 No.3
6. Thuille: Spinnerlied Op.19 No.5
7. Strauss: Das Rosenband Op.36 No.1
8. Strauss: Rote Rosen
9. Thuille: Gruss Op.4 No.1
10. Thuille: Sommermittag Op.19 No.2
11. Strauss: Begegnung
12. Thuille: Die Kleine Op.19 No.1
13. Strauss: Wir beide wollen springen
14. Thuille: Es klingt der Lärm der Welt Op.5 No.3
15. Strauss: Heimkehr Op.15 No.5
16. Strauss: Schlagende Herzen Op.29 No.2
17. Thuille: Lied der jungen Hexe Op.15 No.3
18. Strauss: Meinem Kinde Op.37 No.3
19. Thuille: Sommermorgen Op.5 No.2
20. Strauss: Wie sollten wir geheim sie halten Op.19 No.4
21. Thuille: Am Heimweg Op.7 No.7
22. Strauss: Nebel
23. Thuille: Die Verlassene Op.4 No.2
24. Strauss: Madrigal Op.15 No.1
25. Thuille: Klage Op.5 No.1
26. Strauss: Weihnachtsgefühl
27. Thuille: Mein Engel hüte dein Op.36 No.1
28. Thuille: Allerseelen Op.4 No.4
29. Strauss: Wer hat’s getan
30. Thuille: Komm, süßer Schlaf Op.36 No.3