Best Liedernerd Podcasts (2025)

1
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel 59:22

25d ago59:22

59:22

Before there was Felix, there was Fanny! Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel was a supremely talented and intelligent pianist and composer, but societal norms of the time kept her locked in a patriarchal prison. Join us as we hear three of her songs: Nach süden, Vorwurf, and Nachtwanderer. With soprano Isabelle Peters and mezzo-soprano Ema Nikolovska. Follow …

1
Korngold: Sechs einfache Lieder Op. 9 58:38

2M ago58:38

58:38

The worlds of Hollywood and Lieder collide in this episode about Erich Wolfgang Korngold and his Sechs einfache Lieder. Including a very special live performance of the cycle by guest vocalist Claire McCahan and guest pianist Tzu Kuang Tan recorded during the Opening Fellows Concert at CSI's Fellowship of the Song program in May of 2024. Follow the…

1
Botschaft: Johannes Brahms 1:19:18

3M ago1:19:18

1:19:18

Follow the Lieder is doing its best Voldemort impression.... WE'RE BACK BABY! Join us as we do a long-awaited deep dive into the life of Johannes Brahms, followed by a performance of Botschaft by tenor Logan Wagner and pianist Kirill Kuzmin. With co-host Brian Sikich. Raisin Brahms Commercial Follow the Lieder is a production of Cincinnati Song Ini…

1
Liebst du um Schönheit: Gustav Mahler & Clara Wieck Schumann 24:25

8M ago24:25

24:25

In our final episode of our compare and contrast season we discuss Liebst du um Schönheit by Gustav Mahler and Clara Wieck Schumann. With guest performers mezzo-soprano Kayleigh Decker and pianist Samuel Martin. Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org…

1
Waldseligkeit with MYSTERY composers! 28:14

10M ago28:14

28:14

Today we have not one, not two, but THREE settings of the text Waldseligkeit by Richard Dehmel. See if you can guess the mystery composers before their names are reveled after receiving the clues and live performances of their settings by Erin Keesey and Samuel Martin! Follow the Lieder is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn m…

1
Allnächtlich im Traume: Mendelssohn and Schumann 56:13

12M ago56:13

56:13

A lively discussion with guest co-host Ben Offringa covering Heine's text Allnächtlich im Traume in settings by Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann. With guest performers Tristan Tournaud, Parker Konkle, Ethan Neal, and Sihan Zhang. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★By Cincinnati Song Initiative

1
Rastlose Liebe: Goethe, Zelter, and Schubert 50:04

1y ago50:04

50:04

The ASMR Lieder podcast you didn't know you needed! If you can make it past Brian's dubious soundscaping in today's episode then you're in for a treat as we discuss Goethe and his(?) text Rastlose Liebe in settings by Zelter and Schubert. Special thanks to guest performers Erin Keesy, Olivia Knutsen, and Samuel Martin! Follow the Lieder is a produc…

1
Wald(es)gespräch: Robert Schumann and Alexander Zemlinsky 1:05:40

1y ago1:05:40

1:05:40

Join Mandee and Janie as they discuss the legend of the Lorelei and compare settings by Robert Schumann and Alexander Zemlinsky. With guest performances by Erik Nordstrom, Parker Konkle, Erin Keesy, and Samuel Martin. Picture of Zemlinsky Concert program Flight documents Lorelei Rock Follow the Lieder is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. …

1
Bonus Episode - Song Cycle: The One with Iain Burnside 48:07

1y ago48:07

48:07

This month's episode of Follow the Lieder is slightlyyyyy delayed, so enjoy this bonus episode from Song Cycle hosted by CSI founder Samuel Martin! The great Scottish pianist Iain Burnside joins Sam for a fun and informative conversation. Come for the sage advice on how to stay active in this ever-changing classical music landscape, stay for the gr…

1
Edward: Loewe & Brahms (or "The Tapestry of My Brain") 1:07:12

1y ago1:07:12

1:07:12

Murder ballades, Raisin Brahms, and the 'Schubert of the North' are just a few of the things you're not gonna want to miss in this month's episode of Follow the Lieder with guest co-host Brian Sikich. With guest performances by Erik Nordstrom, Parker Konkle, Lucy Evans, and Logan Wagner. https://www.eriknordstrom.com/ https://parkerkonkle.com/ http…

1
Ich stand in dunklen Träumen (Ihr Bild): Schubert & Clara Wieck Schumann 40:30

1+ y ago40:30

40:30

The advent of Season 4 of Follow the Lieder is upon us! All season long we will be comparing various settings of the same text within each episode, beginning today with Heinrich Heine's text “Ich stand in dunklen Träumen” as set by Franz Schubert and Clara Wieck Schumann. With guest vocalist Naomi Merer Witzen Sing Schubert's setting with me! Sing …

1
Kriegers Ahnung: War and Music 28:01

1+ y ago28:01

28:01

In this episode of Follow the Lieder we discuss Schubert's song Kriegers Ahnung and music's role in highlighting our shared humanity in the face of war. With special guest cellist Da Yoon Kang. Sources: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/bulge-dispatches/ Forgotten Voices of the Second World War by Max Arthur https://www.msf.org/d…

1
Richard Strauss: Allerseelen 50:49

1+ y ago50:49

50:49

The self-proclaimed first-class second-rate composer Richard Strauss is the topic of today's episode. Join us as we discuss a brief history of his life and cover his song Allerseellen with guest host Janie Roy and guest vocalist Liisa Dàvila. Sing Allerseelen with me Find Liisa here Find Janie here Sources: The Lieder of Richard Strauss by Alan Jef…

1
Hugo Wolf: Gebet 51:54

1+ y ago51:54

51:54

Hugo Wolf was known for his fiery temperament, never-ending grudges, and his wildly non-filtered opinions - he even earned the nickname 'Wild Wolf.' Join us today as we discuss this feisty little composer (really he was only 5"1'!) and his song Gebet from Mörike-Lieder with tenor Adrian Autard and guest host Brian Sikich. Sing Gebet with me! Raisin…

1
Debussy & Korngold with Dylan Perez 55:22

1+ y ago55:22

55:22

Pianist Dylan Perez joins us today to discuss some music (not gonna tell you what!) by Claude Debussy and Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Be surprised with me as he shares some very special recordings from his new recording with tenor Ted Black. Find Dylan on Instagram @perezalicious Listen to Voyage à Paris on Spotify ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

1
On Belonging: Asian Song with Fleur Barron 1:23:03

2y ago1:23:03

1:23:03

The incomparable mezzo-soprano Fleur Barron joins us to discuss her song program titled On Belonging which explores the profundities of culture and identity through Asian song. This episode features selections from her program with pianist Myra Huang and cellist Colemann Itzkoff including Bright Fear composed by Raymond Yiu with text by Mary Jean C…

1
Ganymed: Schubert & Goethe 27:10

2y ago27:10

27:10

Prepare yourself for some Greek mythology, assorted space facts, and perhaps the most exhilarating (dare we say titillating?) passage in all of Lieder. Schubert's Ganymed is the focus of our podcast today with special guest vocalist Corinne Cowling. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★By Cincinnati Song Initiative

1
Belsatzar: Schumann and Heine 1:01:39

2y ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Based on the historical/mythical figure of Belshazzar, Schumann's ballade Belsatzar was only the second song composed during the composer's famous "year of song." In today's episode, soprano Mimi Doulton shares her performance of Belsatzar with us and we discuss the cultural climate at the time, background on the history and mythology surrounding B…

1
Ilse Weber: The Songstress of Terezín 1:17:26

2y ago1:17:26

1:17:26

Amidst the horrors of the Terezín ghetto Ilse Weber wrote profound, haunting lyrics and distinctly memorable tunes to both comfort those around her and to reckon with the unspeakable atrocities surrounding them. Join us in today's episode as we cover her life, legacy, words, and music. With special guest host Kamila Storr and guest vocalist Dr. Nao…

1
Clara Wieck Schumann: Lorelei 1:27:25

2y ago1:27:25

1:27:25

Clara Wieck Schumann was a virtual powerhouse of a woman: concert pianist, composer, wife, mother, teacher, editor, arranger, entrepreneur . In this episode we cover the main points of her life and work and discuss her song Lorelei with text by Heinrich Heine. Featuring Georgia Clay as guest host and the incredible vocal talents of Dr. Naomi Merer.…

1
Marian Anderson: One Voice Can Make History 1:16:14

2y ago1:16:14

1:16:14

Twenty four years before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, a Black woman stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and sang before an unprecedented, racially-integrated audience of 75,000 people. Join us today as we cover the life and legacy of Marian Anderson, perhaps the greatest lieder singer of the 20th century you'…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Der Leiermann 1:05:21

2+ y ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Finally the end is upon us! It's hard to believe that after 16 episodes we've finally reached the end of our winter wanderings. While you might shed a tear or two over our wanderer's perplexing conclusion, you won't be too sad when you hear about all the great stuff we have in store for season 3 of Follow the Lieder. Stay tuned at the end of the ep…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Mut! & Die Nebensonnen 52:47

2+ y ago52:47

52:47

We are nearing the end kids! In this, the penultimate episode of our Winterreise season we discuss Mut! and Die Nebensonnen. Be prepared to hear a battle hymn, a Shakespeare re-enactment, a brief science bit, and if you listen all the way to the end you might even hear our co-host shed a tear or two! With guest vocalist Dr. Tyler Reece Emoji storie…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Das Wirtshaus with Susan Youens 1:08:04

2+ y ago1:08:04

1:08:04

Thats right kids - this is NOT a drill - Susan Youens herself joins us for this episode of Follow the Lieder in which we discuss Das Wirtshaus from Schubert's Winterreise. Emoji stories for each episode by @teodoro.piano Das Wirtshaus ⚰️☠️🏨🛌 Sing Das Wirtshaus with me! Follow the Lieder is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn m…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Täuschung & Der Wegweiser 53:36

2+ y ago53:36

53:36

We are deeper into the Wanderer's journey than ever before! Prepare yourself for an existential contemplation and perhaps a little dancing as we discuss songs number 19 and 20 from Schubert's Winterreise! Emoji stories for each episode by @teodoro.piano Täuschung 🕯️💃🌃💥 Der Wegweiser 🚶🚥🛣️🌆 Sing Täuschung with me! Sing Der Wegweiser with me! Follow t…

1
Ferne Lieder: Friedrich Rückert & Alban Berg 1:03:52

2+ y ago1:03:52

1:03:52

On this special bonus epsiode to accompany CSI's upcoming program as part of its series The Belletrists, we cover the life and work of Friedrich Rückert, in particular his poem Ferne Lieder as set by Alban Berg. With guest co-host Emily Jewell and guest vocalist Ryan Bradford --> https://www.bradfordbaritone.com/about-2 Sing Ferne Lieder with me! S…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Im Dorfe & Der stürmische Morgen 1:00:30

2+ y ago1:00:30

1:00:30

If you're wondering how ketchup, mustard, Lord of the RIngs, and tooth doctors could possibly be connected to Schubert's Winterreise, then you better tune in to this week's installment of Follow the Lieder! Emoji stories for each episode by @teodoro.piano Im Dorfe: 🐕⛓😴🌆 Der stürmische Morgen: ⛈🌪🌬💗 Sing Im Dorfe with me! Sing Der stürmische Morgen w…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Letzte Hoffnung 45:36

2+ y ago45:36

45:36

Ready to get weird? Dr. Tyler Reece joins us today to discuss this song of ultimate wierdness and discombobulation (perhaps the strangest of all of Schubert's compositions!). It's an episode you don't want to miss! Emoji stories for each episode by @teodoro.piano Letzte Hoffnung: 🌳🍂🍁😭🪦 Sing Letzte Hoffnung with me! Follow the Lieder is a production…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Der greise Kopf & Die Krähe 59:53

2+ y ago59:53

59:53

Tricks, horror-vignettes, morbid thoughts, literary nights, stunt flying, and corvid creatures are all topics that await you in this, the 10th installment of Season 2 of Follow the Lieder! Listen carefully to learn the coolest zoological facts you never knew were connected to the wonderful world of Lieder 🤓 Emoji stories for each episode by @teodor…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Die Post (and Syphilis?!) 1:09:59

2+ y ago1:09:59

1:09:59

After a short summer break, Follow the Lieder is back with a vengeance to finish up Schubert’s Winterreise Part 2. This episode contains all your favorite things: a hilarious (and brand new) co-host, a deep dive into Schubert’s life, a detailed description and analysis of Die Post, and all the facts you could ever want to know (and some you didn’t …

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Frühlingstraum & Einsamkeit 46:55

3y ago46:55

46:55

Let's play a game! I'm serious... we actually play a Lieder game in this week's episode of Follow the Lieder (betchya didn't know those existed 😆). We also announce the winner of the giveaway and wrap up part one of Winterreise. That's right, we have made it half-way through! Woo-hooooooo! 🎉 Emoji stories for each episode by @teodoro.piano Frühling…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Irrlicht & Rast 57:08

3y ago57:08

57:08

If you've ever found yourself wandering into the the world's tiefsten Felsengründe, then this is the episode for you! Ghostly lights, a worm, charcoal burning knowledge, a watery grave and more await you (and our traveller) in this diverse episode! Who knew discussing Irrlicht and Rast from Schubert's Winterreise could be such fun?! Emoji stories f…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Rückblick 42:22

3y ago42:22

42:22

We took our very own "Rückblick" and invited back one of ye olde time co-host GREATS to discuss the eighth song from Schubert's Winterreise! Tune in and turn up to find out who! Emoji stories for each episode by @teodoro.piano Rückblick: 🔥👞🏙️🌨️👱 Sing Rückblick with me! Follow the Lieder is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn m…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Wasserflut & Auf dem Flusse 1:00:57

3y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Today we discuss not just one, but TWO songs from Winterreise (and one of them is an absolute HEADBANGER). The water is flowing (or not.... or is it?) in both Wasserflut and Auf dem Flusse, along with our traveller's emotions! Stay tuned to the bitter end for a very special guest performance by the floofiest singer you've ever heard. Emoji stories …

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Der Lindenbaum 51:03

3y ago51:03

51:03

In today's installment of Follow the Lieder: Schubert's Winterreise, we discuss the iconic song Der Lindenbaum. A tree has a message, but is it what our traveller wants to hear? And will he go back for his hat? Find out all this and more by tuning in and turning up! Emoji stories for each episode by @teodoro.piano Der Lindenbaum: 🌳⛲🏡💨🎩 Sing Der Lin…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Erstarrung 1:00:29

3y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

In Episode 3 of our Winterreise series, we cover Erstarrung and a surprise second song often said to be its predecessor. You'll have to tune in to find out all about the predecessor's crazy (literally) backstory! With guest co-host Brian Sikich and guest vocalist Dr. Tyler Reece. Emoji stories for each episode by @teodoro.piano Erstarrung: 🔎🏔️👣💔 Si…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Die Wetterfahne & Gefrorne Tränen 47:26

3y ago47:26

47:26

In the second episode of our trek through Schubert's Winterreise, we cover Die Wetterfahne and Gefrorne Tränen. The nobility of the journeyman dwindles as he feels himself overcome by feelings of victimization and horror at his own grief. It's a party you're not gonna want to miss! With guest co-host Brian Sikich and guest vocalist Dr. Tyler Reece.…

1
Schubert's Winterreise: Gute Nacht 1:03:05

3y ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Behold! The second season of Follow the Lieder is upon us! Season 2 will be all about Schubert's Winterreise, beginning today with an overview of Wilhelm Müller and the genesis of his poems, as well as a hefty discussion about Gute Nacht, the first song of this epic cycle. With guest host Brian Sikich. My supreme gratitude goes out to Dr. Tyler Ree…

1
Andres Maienlied 'Hexenlied': Felix Mendelssohn 38:42

3+ y ago38:42

38:42

Witches, Witchcraft, Paganism! What does any of that have to do with Lieder and why should we talk about it? Find out all that and more in today's looooooooong awaited episode. Special guest host (and witch!) Chelsea Willett discusses the history of this long misunderstood practice as well as its place in the modern world. Chelsea is a graphic desi…

1
Schilflied: Felix Mendelssohn and Niklaus Lenau 30:42

4+ y ago30:42

30:42

In 1845 Mendelssohn made a copy of his song Schilflied with a tiny, unexpected masterpiece in the top left hand corner of the manuscript. Find out all about it in this episode with Mandee's surprise guest host! Featuring soprano Harriet Burns (website--> https://www.harrietburns.com/) Treble Clef Manuscript (scroll down on the same page for Bach an…

1
Der Zwerg: Franz Schubert and Matthäus von Collin 24:31

5y ago24:31

24:31

Today's episode features a truly THRILLING neo-gothic horror story complete with misty mountains, a glassy sea, a double crossing queen and her murderous companion. Mandee covers Schubert's Der Zwerg (text by Mattäus von Collin). Guest vocalist is the inimitable mezzo-soprano Ema Nikolovska. Sources: "Of Dwarves, Perversion, and Patriotism: Schuber…

1
Schumann: Frauenliebe und Leben 1:04:14

5+ y ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Attention! Attention! In today’s episode we cover a composer other than Schubert… This is not a drill! I repeat: this is NOT a drill!!! In a special episode of the gender-bending variety, Mandee and special guest Dr. Tyler Reece discuss Tyler’s DMA dissertation “Liebe und Leben: Exploring Gender Roles and Sexuality in Nineteenth Century Lieder.” Co…

1
Erlkönig: Goethe and Schubert 59:53

5+ y ago59:53

59:53

Mandee is joined by special guest host Ben Offringa to discuss Schubert’s first published song, the infamous Erlkönig. Creepy/fascinating/thrilling/exhausting stuff to be found within! Guest vocalist: Dr.(!) Tyler Reece Links: C. Gibbs article- https://www.jstor.org/stable/746658?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents Anne Sophie- https://www.youtube.com…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Liedernerd Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen