In Bester Gesellschaft

A true discovery for lovers of classic Lieder, this new release opens up the hitherto scarcely noticed repertoire of the Austrian composer Johann Vesque von Puttlingen, songs that are full of musical irony and the wonderful idiom of the 19th century. The soprano Caroline Jahns and pianist Hedayet Jonas Djeddikar have intensively worked on these gems by Vesque and derived much pleasure from fathoming out the humor of this music for voice and piano. Both artists are united by a passion for the charm and delights hidden in the familiar circles of the Romantic art song. Unfortunately, developments in society toward the end of the 19th century heralded the decline of the salons and, with them, the audiences that relished Johann Vesque von Puttlingen's satirical songs. So it is now our job to rediscover and appreciate the value of these rare works. The songs on this album present a composer who stands out from the multitude of song composers as one of the all-time greats.