Pierrot Lunaire

While due recognition of Arnold Schonberg’s groundbreaking work did not come immediately, his opus 21 was indeed revolutionary. His use of Sprechgesang, spoken part with notated rhythms and pitches, had not been seen in previous compositions. Alongside Schonberg’s Pierrot lunaire, this recording also features six poem settings by obscure composer Max Kowalski. His song cycle was published in the same year as Schonberg’s (1913) and contrasts the darkness of Schonberg’s by focusing on the lighter side of the poetry. Ingrid Schmithusen has sung in more than seventy performances of the Pierrot lunaire cycle since 1987. She is an acclaimed vocalist, and frequently performs Lied, oratorio, and chamber music ranging from the Renaissance to present day pieces.