Daniel Heide & Katharina Konradi - Strauss, Mozart & Schubert: Liebende (2021) [Hi-Res]

The debut album from soprano Katharina Konradi, co-produced by BBC 3 New Generation Artists, is a stunning collection of songs by Richard Strauss, Mozart and Schubert.

Katharina Konradi: "The labels "Mozart soprano" and "Strauss soprano" are often said to be practically indistinguishable. Indeed, in terms of melodic style, the two composers are not that far apart. Mozart suits my voice well, and the same is true of Richard Straus's light lyrical repertoire. Then Schubert, with his astoundingly vast lieder output and his variety of musical expression, holds a special place for me. Every time I prepare a recital, these almost inexhaustible treasures take me on a delightful journey of surprising discoveries, and that is what my life as a lieder interpreter is all about... Every piece on this CD has a special appeal for me."

Daniel Heide: "For a pianist, Mozart and Schubert are a matter of course! Mozart wrote a number of keyboard sonatas (and the violin sonatas!) along with a multitude of piano concertos: his Lieder come as an added attraction. They are marvelous gems. And any pianist who decides to go further than Schubert's solo piano works in order to delve into his seemingly infinite world of 600 Lieder-treasures comes out a happier man. In every Strauss song I find that the timbre is unique: an atmosphere you can experience only in Strauss territory, that special luminosity of sound, the silvery tone. Mozart's, Schubert's, and Strauss's songs are core German lieder repertoire, and they are pivotal and essential material for singers worldwide." (Excerpts from the booklet interview with both artists)