Hyperion is delighted to present a disc of Grieg’s songs. Grieg’s sheer range as a song-writer—from the shortest
settings, folk-like and immediate, to the depth of distinctive inspiration that runs through every bar of the major cycle
Haugtussa—places him without question among the finest masters of the genre. Arne Garborg’s verse-novel Haugtussa
created a deep impression on Grieg. The resulting marriage of poetry and music is one of the miracles of the nineteenthcentury
song-cycle genre. Many regard this work as Grieg’s masterpiece: it is certainly one of the greatest song-cycles
for the female voice ever written, revealing the composer at the very height of his powers.
“Karnéus is a singer of natural warmth and spontaneity who possesses what Grieg called the gift of "reading between the lines" and "interpreting a half-told tale"… A glorious disc.” The Telegraph, 5th July 2008
“Grieg's aim was to invest the Norwegian art song with the status - national, as well as aesthetic - of the German lied. That he succeeded is borne out by every track of this beautifully programmed disc...Karnéus's performances are thrillingly awash with grand passions and high voltage drama. Drake is faultless.” The Guardian, 11th July 2008 ****
“There can never be too many recordings of Grieg's masterpiece, Haugtussa ('The Mountain Maid')… In the mezzo-soprano of Katarina Karnéus, Haugtussa becomes a darkly erotic tale…” BBC Music Magazine, Proms 2008 ****
“The Swedish mezzo has illustrious rivals but delights in Grieg's tuneful songs… in Haugtussa. Karnéus and Julius Drake are all over the imagery, scenery and sexuality of Garborg's verse novel in thrilling and well worked detail.” Gramophone Magazine, October 2008
Gramophone Awards 1993
