Several of Gustav
Mahler’s monumental and challenging symphonies have become staples in classical
music, overshadowing the composer’s more intimate songwriting. Baritone
Christian Gerhaher and pianist Gerold Huber would like to raise the prominence
of Mahler’s lieder in the concert repertoire by calling attention to the beauty
of his brevity with their CD. The composer’s gift for lilting and dramatic
melody is fully exposed in this sparse setting, redolent of gas-lit salons in
late 19th century Vienna.
Many of the angst-ridden art songs, given sterling performances by the duo,
predate Mahler’s symphonies. Lieder
is a window onto the formative years of a musical titan.
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