February Playlist: For the Love of Love

Rose shares his playlist inspiration below, which showcases love in many forms:

For the love of a muse: Johannes Brahms, “Ballade Op.10, No.4 in B major.” In 1855 Johannes Brahms wrote to Clara Schumann: “I can do nothing but think of you... What have you done to me? Can't you remove the spell you have cast over me?” We may never know the extent of their 40-year intensely intimate relationship, but in the Op. 10 Ballades, written soon after meeting Robert Schumann and his wife Clara, the emotional impact of their deepening relationship on his music is clear.

For the love of place: Samuel Barber, “Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Op.24.” This is a love song to a time and place—a tender contemplation of the American South. James Agee's prose paints an idyllic, nostalgic picture of his native Knoxville, Tennessee, while Barber's setting is some of the most beautiful music which exists.

For the love of a child: “I Have Never Loved Someone” by My Brightest Diamond. The love for a child in this simple lullaby is unending and unconditional. Sung with the sound of a crib rocking gently in the background, it's a timeless and tender expression of pure love.

For the love of your life: “Morgen!” by Richard Strauss. When Richard Strauss married the singer Pauline de Ahna in 1894, his wedding gift to her was a set of songs. One of which, “Morgen!,” with text by John Henry Mackay, was sung at my own wedding. It holds a special place in my heart, of course, however no list of love-related music could omit Strauss, the last of the great Romantics.

For the love of love: “Liebst du um Schönheit” by Gustav Mahler (English translation):

 

by Corrine Luthy

February 9, 2017