Introduction (unused) to Eighteen Song Cycles

The Lotte Lehmann Foundation has recently purchased Lehmann's introduction to her last book, Eighteen Song Cycles. As you read it, you'll understand that, though it expressed Lehmann's thoughts, it wasn't something that a publisher would choose to put at the front of a book.

"In writing this book I feel very strongly that the young generation of singers will not care for it. The world has changed so much - there are really very few singers who can afford to give Lieder recitals of German songs. One can count them on the fingers of one hand. Opera companies have been built up - and I am the last one not to be grateful for that! But the audiences [missing word] easily guided, like more the more spectacular and understandable stories of operas, and the recitals go slowly into oblivion. And yet I feel almost forced to say what I have to say about Lieder, to keep up the interest in them, the subtle and wonderful message of beauty which they - indestructibly - tell the willing listener...Everything in life goes in circles, I believe. There may also come a time again in which one longs for the Lied. May be that then this humble book will come into its own....

I have taken some of the Cycles from my book, "More than Singing." This book is for a long time out of print. But how could I leave out in this new book, for instance Schubert's famous and moving Cycles? Therefore I have put together what in my opinion has to be assembled in one place: This book, which I send into the world, asking for understanding and kind acceptance."