Steinway & Sons has released the first complete recording of Artur Schnabel’s vocal works, featuring pianist Jenny Lin and contralto Sara Couden. The album includes the world premiere of Schnabel’s Five Songs for Voice and Piano, marking a follow-up to Lin’s earlier recording of Schnabel’s complete piano music. Available on all streaming platforms, the album aims to spotlight Schnabel’s contributions to vocal music, as Lin continues her mission to elevate lesser-known composers.
Artur Schnabel is best known for his work as a pianist, especially for popularizing Beethoven’s piano repertoire. However, composing was Schnabel’s secret passion, which allowed him to express himself freely. He described composing as his personal space where he could explore music without restrictions. His wife, contralto Therese Behr, whom he married in 1905, played a significant role in his compositions, as many of his works were created for her. This album reflects Schnabel’s talents as both a composer and a sensitive chamber musician.
The new album offers a range of styles, from romantic elements to more personal, introspective works. Couden and Lin were particularly impressed by Schnabel’s sensitivity to text, as his music beautifully complements the poems he sets to music. One standout piece, Notturno, was first recorded in 1985 by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. Lin, a fan of this rendition, believes it deserves to be a standard in the vocal repertoire.
Through this release, both Steinway and the artists hope to bring greater recognition to Schnabel as a composer, beyond his reputation as a pianist. The album showcases Schnabel’s sophisticated, lyrical settings and his deep engagement with texts, offering a rewarding listening experience.
