Dénise Beck - Mandyczewski: Lieder, Gesänge, Walzer (2014)

Born in Czernowitz (a region now part of Ukraine) and educated in Germany, Eusebius Mandyczewski was a gifted musician best known for his work as a conductor and musicologist, helping Grove to compile a book on Beethoven’s symphonies and having a hand in the Schubert Gesamtausgabe, among other examples. As well as his scholarly work, Mandyczewski was also a talented composer. Indeed, his admiration for Schubert, as well as Brahms, a close friend of his, is evident in this assembled collection of Lieder and Gesänge, where the two composers’ influences (particularly Schubert’s nature‐inspired song tradition) are clearly heard. Also included on this disc are works for piano four hands; 13 sparkling waltzes by Mandyczewski that are brought to life by piano duo Christian Lambour and Gert Hecher. It is only now that Mandyczewski’s exceptional talents in composition are beginning to enjoy the attention they deserve, with all six performers on this disc being enthusiastic interpreters of the composer’s works. Danish soprano Dénise Beck specialised in Lied studies and is an established performer of this repertoire, having given recitals throughout Europe, including at the world‐famous Musikverein in Vienna. Joined by mezzo‐soprano Christina Baader, praised recently in the German press for her “great commitment and masterful technique”, as well as pianist Christian Lambour, who has already released a disc of Mandyczewski’s works, this release is a must‐have for any lover of Romantic Lieder looking for new repertoire to explore. Ilia Korol and Lehel Donáth lend excellent support to the soloists, adding beautifully resonant strings to the lyrical melodies.