Presented here are the songs of Max Kowalski (1882-1956), whose life and career can be described in two main segments: the first in Germany until 1939, and thereafter in England. Music – which had been the notably successful secondary career of Kowalski, the lawyer, in his homeland, and became his full-time occupation in exile – is their chief unifying element. Kowalski’s output of more than 250 Lieder reflects the tonal and formal aesthetics of the late 19th century. His songs were performed and sometimes premiered or recorded by prominent singers and pianists, and about one third were published by reputable German and Austrian companies. Kowalski’s songs are nearly all in German, yet they represent a wide range of poetic styles, subjects, and periods, as well as cultural, linguistic, and spiritual origins.

British-German baritone Simon Wallfisch is an internationally sought-after concert singer. In 2022 he appeared as a soloist at the Berlin Philharmonie, and also as soloist with the BBC Singers at the Barbican Centre. He has recorded extensively with pianist Edward Rushton for Nimbus Records and Lyrita.

British-German soprano Camille Butcher has sung in major European opera houses interpreting principal roles to much critical acclaim. Camille was a member of the soloist ensemble at Konzert Theater Bern and has been a Chorsolist at Komische Oper Berlin since 2018

Edward Rushton studied at King's College, Cambridge, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and the Zurich University of Applied Arts. He has played song and chamber music recitals throughout Europe and is also in demand as a teacher and composer.