Genre: Neofolk / Neoclassical

Resource Links: Noltex

Eichendorff – Liedersammlung is a new compilation compiled by Uwe Nolte of Orplid, Barditus, and Sonnentau. Eichendorff – Liedersammlung expands upon the general theme of Uwe’s work on the Noltex website and label by using the format of music to explore works of literature. Eichendorff – Liedersammlung is a conceptual compilation that explores the lyrical prose of Joseph Eichendorff. Joseph Eichendorff was a widely acclaimed writer of late Germanic romantic literature. Joseph Eichendorff’s lyrical poetry is the primary focus of Eichendorff – Liedersammlung as Joseph Eichendorff was widely celebrated for his ability to translate his feelings and impressions of nature, natural mysticism, and the German landscape into verse.

Eichendorff – Liedersammlung remembers the literary achievement of Eichendorff in an epic thirteen song CD compilation that spans more than fifty minutes of music. Drawing upon the resources of the largely German Neofolk and Neoclassical music genre Eichendorff – Liedersammlung expertly ties together the common thread of nature romanticism and mysticism that permeates both German romantic literature and the neofolk music genre. Such eminent artists as Sonnentau, Orplid, Forseti, Barditus, Sonne Hagal, and Waldteufel are joined by less familiar artists as Elisabeth Christiane Schonfeld, Ulrike Hirsch, Grunland, Karl Stulpner, and Edaphon. This conscious blending of established and emerging neofolk artists makes for a wonderful blend of familiar and new voices.

Pre WWII art and lifestyle movements that have been lost or forgotten by many persons in the modern world have heavily influenced many modern neofolk bands. Uwe Nolte has shown great insight in connecting the work of our ancestors with the modern art and music that reflects the values and sensibilities that they first brought to light at the turn of the twentieth century. Though many music listeners are captivated by the Eurocentric themes and nature mysticism that permeates the neofolk genre too few know that the these reflections and themes are often reflected in cultural and artistic movements that where lost with time and modernization.

Eichendorff – Liedersammlung begins with a contribution from Sonnentau titled “Wunschelrute.” As with the other contributions “Wunschelrute” is sung entirely in German and unfortunately the accompanying CD booklet does not offer English translations. Though the lyrics remain enshrouded in mystery for those of us who do not fluently speak or read German the songs nonetheless communicate a wealth of emotion and sentiment through the vocals and music. “Wunschelrute” begins with acoustic guitar, woodwinds, and slight percussion. The ballad is delicate and subtle as it weaves a sad romantic spell graced with male vocals. The song opens to include string arrangements that are layered into the acoustic guitar and woodwind instrumentation. The wavering chords of the woodwind drift across the music and drive the song. The composition has a tentative feel as it winds its way along as if every note where laid out with the utmost purpose and each word was spoken with a silent devotion in an attempt to give voice to phenomena and feelings that escape language. The romanticism of Eichendorff’s verse is expertly captured and conveyed by Sonnentau.

Elisabeth Christiane Schonfeld contributes a hauntingly beautiful track titled “In der Fremde I.” “In der Fremde I” is a rather minimal composition that combines the voice of Elisabeth Schonfeld with piano, strings, cello and chimes. The track begins with a very sad serenade that features Elisabeth singing solo accompanied by delicate and somber piano playing. The emotional impression is one of hearing someone sing of a beauty and grandeur that has passed away and can now only be remembered. Elisabeth’s voice engenders the faded glory and remembrance as well as the sadness of its passing. The piano is lovingly played as chords roll out effortlessly in waves supporting the narrative and Elisabeth’s voice. The cello enters the song very gently with little obtrusion adding a deeper sense of lamentation as its deep sighs grace the music. The strings accent a moment of longing as they cascade down and weave within the cello and piano. The instrumentation lulls then surges to meet Elisabeth’s voice once more. The song ends without notice wrapping up as softly as it began and leaving the listener to sit with the emotions evoked.

Track eight is one of my favorites and has drawn me back for several additional listening in a single playing of the CD. “Die Nachtblume” is the second contribution of Sonnentau and is one of the best female led neofolk songs I have ever heard. The song begins with cello and guitar. The cello plays deep sad chords while the guitar plays lively chords that shift and evolve rather rapidly. The combination is enchanting as the cello pulls at the deeper feelings of the listener and the guitar communicates a sense of hope and anticipation. A female vocalist enters the song singing deeply emotional verse that touches the listeners heart. Her vocal control and voice are amazing as her voice weaves its way deep into your soul filling your imagination and heart with all the emotion that pushes her words forward. The spell is very effective. Violin enters the song adding contrast to the cello and guitar and the song blossoms like a fragrant hidden bloom. The nectar drips from the bloom and the listener is left basking in awe-inspiring music. I cannot quite grasp the words to communicate the beauty of this music though I can tell you that is will enshroud your heart and bathe yoursoul in all the romanticism and mysticism that Eichendorff originally strove to communicate through his verse. Indeed, I am sure this song has reached him wherever he rests.

Track ten by Grunland titled “In der Fremde II” is also worth mentioning. Grunland contribute a wonderful track graced by yet another amazing female vocalist. The song begins with crystalline acoustic guitar that is joined by the haunting melody of a rustic sounding violin. The melody is distinctly ethnic sounding and imbues a sense of ages past is it plays its simple yet charming song. A male vocalist whispers lyrics that are buried deep within the music. After a brief rendition, a strong female vocalist takes over the lyrics. Her voice is strong yet feminine and is imbued with a magical element that conveys deep emotion akin to gypsy music yet much sadder and very German. The songs strong ethnic sensibility evokes the far reaches of Romania or some other exotic and isolated European location where culture is still intact and the past flows freely into the present.

Also worth mentioning, is track eleven by Karl Stulpner titled “Zorn.” “Zorn” strays off the beaten path as it begins with strong drumming, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar. The electric guitar gives the music a modern feeling not visited by most of the previous artists though the rest of the music is rooted deeply in the neofolk genre. The acoustic guitar and heavy martial drums and snare drums invoke all the standard and much celebrated sensibilities of the neofolk genre. Karl’s voice is deep and rough as he sings with vigor. His voice communicates a sense of hope, courage and victory. Like an old storyteller reciting tales of heroism and pride, his voice really makes the song. The music and voice reminded me a bit of Barditus, which is a very positive association.

In fear of writing a terribly long review, I have to cease describing songs though this compilation inspires me to no end. Rarely does an album come along in which every song gets the blood flowing and ignites the spirit. I am particularly impressed with the number of female led songs and the quality of these compositions. Too often in the neofolk genre female led bands fall into a prescribed formula set by the heavenly voice music genre. Eichendorff does a fantastic job of highlighting some very accomplished female vocalists amidst their male peers.

Eichendorff – Liedersammlung comes highly recommended to all neofolk fans. This is not your typical neofolk compilation. You will not be burdened with a couple of new discoveries lodged into a vast array of already published songs. Every composition on Eichendorff was recorded and contributed for this release and you will not find these songs anywhere else. Do not miss this opportunity to hear some of your favorite artists perform alongside some amazing new musicians. Eichendorff was created and compiled with a lot of intention and reflection and you will be punishing yourself if you miss the opportunity to purchase this compilation!