Damask Vocal Quartet
O schöne Nacht
The Damask Vocal Quartet releases their first album, O schöne Nacht, on 7 Mountain Records! And, frankly, it is utterly ‘schön’ what the four singers and pianist Flore Merlin have accomplished. True unity, vocal power and easiness and full devotion to the music of Brahms and his lesser-known contemporaries Herzogenberg, Jenner and Kirchner.
Damask believes the vocal quartet should be seen more as chamber music than it is now, it is about coherence and communication and that’s exactly what this CD is about. So, four singers of the highest level, a breathtaking Flore Merlin on a 1868 Streicher grand Brahms used himself, and you’re safe and sound for a great listening experience.
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O schöne Nacht received the CHOC award in France: ‘irresistibly charming, five musicians communing for a moment with these works—and with us.’ (links to website Damask VQ, with French text and English translation)
Valeurs actuelles, January ’19 (French)
| 1. | Vier Quartette, Op.92: I. O schöne Nacht |
| 2. | Vier Quartette, Op.92: II. Spätherbst |
| 3. | Vier Quartette, Op.92: III. Abendlied |
| 4. | Vier Quartette, Op.92: IV. Warum |
| 5. | Vier Notturnos, Op.22: I. War's dunkel, ich läge im Walde |
| 6. | Vier Notturnos, Op.22: II. Nacht ist wie ein stilles Meer |
| 7. | Vier Notturnos, Op.22: III. Intermezzo: "Zwei Musikanten, zieh'n daher" |
| 8. | Vier Notturnos, Op.22: IV. Wie schön hier zu verträumen |
| 9. | Notturnos, Op.28: I. Ruhig, singend |
| 10. | Drei Quartette, Op.31: I. Wechsellied zum Tanze |
| 11. | Drei Quartette, Op.31: II. Neckereien |
| 12. | Drei Quartette, Op.31: III. Der Gang zum Liebchen |
| 13. | Notturnos, Op.28: II. Con sentimento |
| 14. | Notturnos, Op.28: III. Moderato |
| 15. | Zwölf Quartette: II. Richten will ich Tisch und Gastmahl |
| 16. | Zwölf Quartette: IV. Ich gehe des Nachts |
| 17. | Zwölf Quartette: V. Fensterlein, nachts bist du zu |
| 18. | Zwölf Quartette: XII. Wenn's die Bäume könnten klagen |
| 19. | Notturnos, Op.28: IV. Molto moderato |
| 20. | Sechs Quartette, Op.112a: I. Sehnsucht |
| 21. | Sechs Quartette, Op.112a: II. Nächtens |
| 22. | Vier Zigeunerlieder, Op.112b: I. Himmel strahlt zo helle |
| 23. | Vier Zigeunerlieder, Op.112b: II. Rote Rosenknospen |
| 24. | Vier Zigeunerlieder, Op.112b: III. Brennessel steht an Weges Rand |
| 25. | Vier Zigeunerlieder, Op.112b: IV. Liebe Schwalbe, kleine Schwalbe |