Nicolai Gedda: Songs from Schumann, Bizet, Grieg, Peterson-Berger, Rimski-Korsakov, and Rachmaninov / LP

C10-14631-32

Recorded at the Leningrad Philharmonic Great Hall (1980)

Overview

This album showcases the vocal brilliance of Nicolai Gedda, one of the foremost tenors of the 20th century, performing a diverse selection of songs from a range of composers across multiple languages. Gedda's incredible vocal technique, alongside his interpretation of the text and its musical atmosphere, shines through these pieces, which are all imbued with themes of nature and love.

The program begins with Robert Schumann, whose early 1840s shift to vocal music brought forth a collection of stunning lieder. Gedda’s rendition of "Erstes Grün" (Op. 35 No. 4) and others exemplify the harmony between voice and piano, with the natural world brought to life in every note.

The French and Scandinavian selections include songs by Georges Bizet and Edvard Grieg, both composers whose works are tied to nature’s seasonal cycles, particularly the renewal brought by spring. Bizet’s "Chanson d'avril" and "Après l'hiver" capture the warmth and beauty of spring, while Grieg’s "Våren" (Op. 33 No. 2) and "En Drem" highlight his rich Norwegian musical heritage.

Wilhelm Peterson-Berger, a leading figure in Swedish romanticism, is represented with two songs that explore the themes of nature and youth, offering a unique sound in the Swedish musical landscape.

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Spring Songs (Op. 43 No. 1-4) are paired with poems by Aleksei Tolstoy, with the vocal lines reflecting the majesty and fleeting nature of the season. Lastly, Sergei Rachmaninov’s songs bring a more lyrical and piano-driven narrative, drawing from Russian traditions to evoke the complexities of the human condition.

Nicolai Gedda’s mastery of multiple languages—German, French, Norwegian, and Russian—makes this album a stunning display of his vocal versatility, and it remains a treasure for classical music lovers.

Track Listing:

• Side A:
  1. Erstes Grün (Op. 35 No. 4) – Robert Schumann (J. Kerner)
  2. An den Sonnenschein (Op. 36 No. 4) – Robert Schumann (R. Reinick)
  3. Der Himmel hat eine Träne geweint (Op. 37 No. 1) – Robert Schumann (F. Rückert)
  4. Ich hab in mich gesogen (Op. 37 No. 5) – Robert Schumann (F. Rückert)
  5. Flügel! Flügel! (Op. 37 No. B) – Robert Schumann (F. Rückert)
  6. Rose, Meer und Sonne (Op. 37 No. 9) – Robert Schumann (F. Rückert)
• Side B:
  1. Chanson d'avril – Georges Bizet (L. Bouilhet)
  2. Après l'hiver – Georges Bizet (V. Hugo)
  3. Pastorale – Georges Bizet (J. Regnard)
  4. Jungfruu under Lind – Wilhelm Peterson-Berger
  5. Til Maidag – Wilhelm Peterson-Berger
  6. Våren (Op. 33 No. 2) – Edvard Grieg (O. Vinje)
  7. Jeg, givar min dikt til Våren (Op. 21 No. 3) – Edvard Grieg (B. Björnson)
  8. En Drem (Op. 48 No. 6) – Edvard Grieg (F. M. Bodenstedt)
  9. Весной (Op. 43 No. 1-4) – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
  10. Звонче жаворонка пенье – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (A. Tolstoy)
  11. Не ветер, вел с высоты – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (A. Tolstoy)
  12. Свежи душист твой роскошный венок – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (A. Fet)
  13. То было раннею весной – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (A. Tolstoy)
  14. Я опять одинок (Op. 26 No. 9) – Sergei Rachmaninov (T. Sevchenko-Bunyin)
  15. Апрель! Вешний праздничный день – Sergei Rachmaninov (E. Pailleron-V. Tusnova)
  16. Весенние воды (Op. 14 No. 11) – Sergei Rachmaninov (F. Tyutcsev)

Key Credits:

• Artist: Nicolai Gedda (Tenor)
• Accompanist: Erik Werba (Piano)
• Recording: Leningrad Philharmonic Great Hall (1980)
• Languages: German, French, Swedish, Norwegian, Russian

Box #152