Songs by Women Composers of the 18th and 19th Centuries

Titled “Von Goethe inspiriert” Furore Verlag presents a collection of Lieder by women composers on poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It witnesses the great presence of Goethe in the lives of many of his contemporaries. Chosen were composers whose dates of life cross Goethe’s lifetime some time between late18th and 19th century. In many individual ways reverence is given: young Bettine Brentano is enthusiastic, Fanny Hensel, Clara Schumann and Josephine Lang create Lieder of outstanding musical quality, Johanna Kinkel offers freshness and spontaneity. A fine and modest attitude is characteristic for Louise Reichardts and Annette von Droste-Hülshoffs songs. The Weimar circle is represented by the Duchess Anna Amalia of Sachsen Weimar and Corona Schröter who contribute Singspiel-songs. Several names one may not have heard before and be astonished about the fine quality of Lieder by Helene Liebmann and Jeannette Buerde. The volume is edited by Ann Willison Lemke, (PhD musicology and literature). It includes several first publications. Well suited for instruction.