Search - Janet Baker :: Great Opera Divas

The ultimate bargain

M. R. Simpson | St. Davids, PA | 10/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been the most devoted fan of this magnificent singer for decades now, and I can think of no better introduction to her artistry than this double CD set. Both CDs cover a wide range of music, from Bach and Handel to the French orchestral songs of Duparc, Berlioz, and Ravel, to Elgar's Gerontius. Everyone will have their favorites, but I am most particularly moved by her singing of Mahler--evidenced here by a single selection from the Ruckert Lieder(with Barbirolli conducting). If Mahler had only heard Dame Janet's singing of his music, I think that he would have reconsidered his preference for male singers in the performance of his great song cycles. She has the most beautiful voice, and her singing is so heartfelt and true, and so utterly attuned to the meaning of the words and music. She was also a very great actress, as those fortunate enough to have seen her on the opera stage will attest to. The sound is exceptional, very true to life, and at this price the set is one of the most extraordinary bargains in the entire catalogue. (If you do find that you are moved by her singing of Mahler, it is well worth seeking out her performances with Leonard Bernstein in addition to the Barbirolli recordings--they are classics. I particularly love her singing in Mahler's "Resurrection" symphony with Bernstein conducting the London Symphony Orchestra, an often underrated recording made in the mid-1960s. She also did a wonderful recording of Mahler's "The Song of the Earth" with Bernard Haitink conducting.)"