On the one hand Hugo Wolf had the reputation of a rude, sometimes choleric, musical genius. But on the other hand letters and memories of friends show a humorous side of the composer. Songs by him have always been a focus in lied recitals of the Viennese bass-baritone Horst Lamnek. Especially the humorous, ironical, and cheerful songs of the composer find a congenial interpreter in him. His sense for witty drama also inspired the singer to frame the program for this album Humorous Wolf. The Viennese bass-baritone Horst Lamnek finished his studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna with distinction. He was trained and taught among others by Charles Spencer, Brigitte Fassbaender, Dietrich Fischer0Dieskau, Nicolai Gedda and Wicus Slabbert. Horst Lamnek has been awarded national and international prizes, was a stipendiary of the Richard Wagner-Foundation and also received a honorary award from the Austrian Ministry for Education, Science and Culture. Since 1999 he has regularly appeared as a recitalist in Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Slovenia, Italy, and Germany. His concert repertoire ranges from Bach’s Passions, and the great romantic oratorios to world premieres.
