Robbert Muuse & Micha van Weers
Release Date: 24 June 2016
Label: Challenge Classics
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 608917270921
Description
"This selection from Julius Röntgen's extensive song repertoire represents an important new step towards a revaluation of his total oeuvre and the unlocking of Dutch musical heritage in general." – Jurriaan Röntgen (composer's grandson)
The Dutch baritone Robbert Muuse and pianist Micha van Weers perform songs by the prolific German-Dutch composer Julius Röntgen, another figure who thrived in the first half of 20th century whose music deserves to be rediscovered by today's audiences. He wrote several collections of lieder, here presented in their world premiere recordings.
Julius Röntgen was born in Leipzig in 1855 (his father was concertmaster of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra) but moved to Amsterdam to teach piano in 1878, eventually taking Dutch nationality in 1920. As pianist, conductor, concert organiser and co-founder of the first conservatory in Amsterdam, he was one of pillars of a developing musical life in the Netherlands. These selections of lieder are all from his Dutch period.
Röntgen was in much demand from the outset of his career as a lieder accompanist, meeting the Dutch baritone Johannes Messchaert in 1881. He showed a warm interest in Röntgen's music and a deep friendship grew between them in addition to their stage relationship that would last for over 30 years. The Messchaert-Röntgen evenings, in which lieder alternated with piano solo pieces, were much loved (by Brahms amongst others), and some of the songs recorded here, including the opening cycle of Middle Dutch poems, Amoreuse Liedekens, were premiered by them.
Tracklisting
The Counterpoints
Narratio Quartet
Aart Bergwerff
Roberto Prosseda
Octavie Dostaler-Lalonde
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Dejan Lazic, Jan Willem de Vriend
Ton Koopman
Duo Saraswati
Robbert Muuse & Micha Van Weers
