Frauenliebe was completed in Paris in June 2010 and premiered in Venice at the La Fenice theatre by both recipients on March 14, 2011. “Nearly 20 years after Frauenleben, subtitled ‘9 lieder for viola and orchestra’, here is Frauenliebe, 10 lieder for viola and piano. And once again, the question comes up of why this title for a piece that never quotes from the celebrated song cycle. To me, this title has two distinct meanings. It first refers to myself as a woman (Frau), seen through my life (Leben) and now, more specifically, through my love life (Liebe). But it should also be taken simply as a tribute to the great lied tradition so masterfully illustrated by Schumann, and which represents an important part of my musical background. I must finally point out that the viola, (which I like to call ‘this great singer’) happens to be, ever since my adolescent years, one of my favorite instruments.” BJ