Friedrich Wilhelm Kücken |Romantic Songs

The present CD provides a fascinating insight into the life and work of the composer Friedrich Wilhelm Kücken. Born in 1810 in Bleckede near Lüneburg, his musical talent led him early to Schwerin. The CD features almost exclusively world-first recordings of his songs, which have largely been forgotten until now. Kücken’s sensitive melodies and masterful composition skills come to the fore on the newly released album, ranging from poignant farewell songs to light-hearted and humorous pieces. The critical edition on which the recordings are based comes from Edition Massonneau. The dedications of the songs tell intriguing stories about Kücken’s personal environment. A significant part of the fortune of Kücken’s wife Henriette, including his residence, was bequeathed to the foundation named after him. The foundation supported “destitute musical talents, composers, teachers, singers, soloists of any instrument” until 1939. The present CD is a publication of the Stiftung Mecklenburg in cooperation with Deutschlandfunk Kultur, Rondeau Production, and Edition Massonneau.