As a distinct form of solo piano music, the Romantic miniature had antecedents reaching back to
Beethoven and
Schubert, though
Felix Mendelssohn's Lieder ohne worte were among the most influential music publications in the 19th century, and they became the model for countless parlor pieces. With an emphasis on lyrical melodies and poetic moods,
Mendelssohn's songs without words were likely inspired by similar pieces composed by his sister,
Fanny Mendelssohn, and they in turn gave
Franz Liszt the impetus to compose his own, as well as his Grosses Konzertstück über Themen aus Mendelssohns Lieder ohne Worte for two pianos.
Philippe Cassard's 2017 release on Sony Classical offers a generous selection of the best-known songs without words, including the famous Andante con moto in E major, Op. 19, No. 1, the “Spring Song,” Op. 62, No. 6, and the Presto, Op. 67, No. 4, also known as the “Spinner’s Song.” He has also programmed
Liszt's arrangement of
Mendelssohn's Sonntagslied, Op. 34, No. 5, along with
Fanny Mendelssohn's Lied, Op. 6, No. 2, and a "song with words," the Nachtlied, Op. 71, No. 6, which is given in a surprise appearance by soprano
Natalie Dessay. While this disc only gives a representative sample of the eight volumes of Lieder ohne worte,
Cassard's playing is always engaging and the album is a delightful introduction to this charming genre of keyboard music.