Hugo Staehle was an extremely gifted and promising composer, who died far too young, he lived from 1826 till 1848. A pupil of the famous Louis Spohr he settled in Dresden, where he met famous musicians and composers, like the violinist Ferdinand David, Ferdinand Hiller and Robert and Clara Schumann.

Staehle’s few surviving works include a grand scale opera, a piano quartet and several song cycles, a selection of which is presented on this new recording. They were composed for the fast‐emerging middle class, where music was a important part of the social culture. The songs are modelled on Schumann’s lieder, in mood ranging from charm and “Sehnsucht” to heroic pathos and tragedy.

Sung by Italian soprano Eleonora Contucci, accompanied on the fortepiano by Costantino Mastroprimiano. Recorded in the splendid and suitable environment of the Palazzo Contucci, the piano a magnificent 1826 Broadwood.

Booklet contains detailed notes on the music, artist biographies, sung texts and information on the Graf fortepiano (1826)