Hugo Wolf

Hugo Wolf (1869-1903) was one of the most important Austrian composers of lieder (German-language art songs) of the late 19th century. He suffered from depression, so he composed only sporadically, and he was ultimately incapacitated by syphilis, from which he died. Even so, he was remarkably prolific and wrote over 300 songs, which are notable for their penetrating psychological insight and richly romantic lyricism. Among his most significant works are the collections the Spanisches Liederbuch, the two volumes of the Italienisches Liederbuch, sets of songs with texts by Mörike, Eichendorff, and Goethe, and the Italian Serenade for strings.