Myrtle and Rose - the title taken from the Heinrich Heine poem which Robert Schumann set as the final song of his Liederkreis, Op. 24 - features two of Robert Schumann's most beloved song cycles (the other being Liederkreis, Op. 39) along with several rarely-recorded songs by his wife Clara.

The album beautifully captures the artistic partnership of tenor Kyle Stegall and fortepianist Eric Zivian, who first collaborated at the Valley of the Moon Music Festival in Sonoma, California.

Combining Stegall's dulcet tone and impassioned expression together with Eric Zivian's original 1841 Rausch fortepiano from Vienna - built exactly when the songs were written - means that what the listener get to hear is something not only memorable, but atmospherically perfect.

Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
1-12 Liederkreis, Op. 39 (25:40)

Clara Schumann (1819-1896)
13. Ich Stand In Dunklen Träumen, Op. 13, No. 1 (2:09)
14. Lorelei (2:25)
15. Mein Stern (1:56)
16. Liebst Du Um Schönheit (2:22)
17. O Lust, O Lust, Op. 23, No. 6 (1:53)

Robert Schumann
18-26 Liederkreis, Op. 24 (23:18)

Trust me when I say that between the two of them, both Stegall and Zivian combine majestically to bring forth some truly inspired and highly illuminating interpretations here on Myrtle & Rose.

This simply magnificent and era-provoking work of musical art celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Clara Schumann and as a unique bonus there is also included Kyle Stegall's new English translations of the sung texts in the booklet.

Official CD Purchase Link

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