Felicity Lott sings Schubert
Robin Friedman | Washington, D.C. United States | 04/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is part of a monumental collection of the complete songs of Franz Schubert on the Hyperion label. The director of the project was Graham Johnson, the pianist on each disk. Each disk features a collection of Schubert songs performed by an outstandng contemporary singer. The listener is allowed to hear Schubert from a variety of perspectives, voices, and interpretations. The songs on this disk, number 19 in the series, are performed by soprano Felicity Lott. Ms Lott has a beautiful, light, and lyrical voice. Her performance of these songs is moving. Johnson also wrote the extensive booklets that accompany each CD. The booklets contain treasures of information about each song, the poets, the texts and about Schubert himself. The discs are arranged loosely by subject-matter. Ms Lott's recital features songs loosely grouped around themes involving nature: nature: flowers, the stars, and water. There are 19 songs in this lovely recital in which Schubert sets a variety of poets.This disk, and the series, are treasures for those wishing to hear and love the Schubert songs. There is both an intimacy and a sense of learning and loving music in these disks that I find rare in recorded music. The booklets are marvels of wisdom about Schubert, and those listening to the music or reading the text are addressed as "Schubertians". This is a simple, yet effective way to get listeners involved with the music and stresses that the appreciation and study of these songs can extend over a lifetime.I will briefly take one song on this CD to illustrate what I mean. The CD opens with Schubert's "Nachtviolen", (dame violet) D.752, which Schubert set to the text of his friend, Johann Mayrhofer (1787-1836), with whom he shared quarters for a time. "Nachtviolen" is one of my favorite Schubert songs and a stunning short achievement for any composer. The program notes include, of course, the text and translation of Mayrhofer's poem. This is followed by a discussion of Mayrhofer's enigmatic text, the changes Schubert made to Mayrhofer's poem in setting it, the character of the piano and the vocal parts, and various interpretations that have been offered regarding the song over the years. Is the song simply about a violet, or does it have, in Schubert's setting, some deeper, probably sexual implication? The booklet presents a thoughtful overview to this work.Of course, any Schubert song, including "Nachtviolen" is best approached through repeated hearings, rather than reading. Ms. Lott's singing and the collaboration with Johnson capture what, for me, is the character of repressed, hidden desire in this music.Each of the songs on this disk receives the same careful written discussion and the same intimate performance. Many of the songs here will be familiar to those knowing Schubert's music. Other songs will be new discoveries. In addition, to "Nachtviolen", the more familiar songs in this collection included "Am See" D.746, "Auf dem Wasser Zu Zingen", D. 774, and the two "Suleika" songs, D. 720, and D.717. The texts of these songs were written by Marianne Von Willmer, a romantic interest of Goethe's during his old age. The first "Suleika" song, in particular, is a portrait of passion in music.This disk includes an outstanding selection of songs and performances. It will help introduce the new listener to Schubert. But the disk and the series will be welcomed most by those with familarity with Schubert. Schubert's 700 some songs are among the glories of music. This is music that can be loved and understood over many years of listening to performances such as Ms. Lott and Mr. Johnson offer on this CD."
Graceful Romance
Benjamin Bates | San Francisco | 08/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The true test that you have found a great soprano recording of Schubert is listening to 'Auf dem wasser zu singen'. Felicity Lott out shines all the competition underscored by the versatile accompanist Graham Johnson; the greatest Schubert scholar since Gerald Moore. This recording carries a maturity and elegance to the Schubert Lieder that few interpretations can offer."
