Book description
This unique volume contains, in parallel translation, a thousand of
the most frequently performed Lieder, both piano-accompanied and
orchestral. Composers are arranged alphabetically, with their songs
appearing under poet in chronological order of composition - thus
allowing the reader to engage in depth with a particular poet and at
the same time to follow the composer's development. Richard Stokes,
whose work in this field is already widely acclaimed, provides
illuminating short essays on each of the fifty composers' approach to
Lieder composition, as well as well as notes on all the poets who
inspired the songs. The volume is notable for the accuracy and
elegance of its translations, and for its fidelity to the German
verse: every care has been taken to print the words of the sung text,
while adhering to the versification and punctuation of the original
poem. Beethoven, Schubert and Schumann, Goethe, Heine and Schiller are
among the highlights of a book which illuminates one of the great
musical traditions and will be an indispensable handbook for every
music lover.
Richard Stokes coaches singers in the interpretation of Lieder
and gives frequent lectures on song composers. He has published books
on German, French and Spanish song, and his singing translations for
English National Opera met with great critical acclaim. Ian Bostridge
is universally recognised as one of the greatest Lied interpreters of
today. He has made numerous award-winning recordings of Lieder and
gives recitals regularly throughout Europe, North America and the Far
East to outstanding critical acclaim.
