Author: Terfel, Bryn

Format: Audiobook

PartNumber: 028944529425

Release Date: 20-09-1994

Details: Amazon.ca There are worse organising principles for a recital than to choose a variety of songs which favour the singer's voice and musicianship; the selection here also offers an overview of Schubert's songs and indicates how often he was inspired to greatness by the poems of Goethe, whose texts dominate here. Terfel's velvety baritone, and Martineau's quietly authoritative accompaniments, are placed solidly in the service of words and music; these are intelligent unfussy performances which act as a showcase for a confident talent that does not need to grandstand. In "Gruppe aus dem Tartarus", for example, or "Der Erlkonig" it is far too easy for a singer and pianist to score points through melodrama; Terfel and Martineau concentrate on quiet illustration, trusting Schubert and not feeling that they have to second-guess him. Which is not to say that Terfel does not unleash vocal climaxes of considerable power in both songs when they are called for. In lighter songs, he concentrates on charm without being mawkish, and in "An Die Musik" itself, he is straightforward and honest, and therefore moving. This was Terfel's impressive calling card as solo artist on DG, bringing to Lieder the intelligent musicianship of his great operatic roles. --Roz Kaveney

UPC: 028944529425

EAN: 0028944529425

Model: 028944529425

Languages: English

Binding: audioCD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood