"In truth for classic lieder singing you should buy performances by Fischer-Dieskau or Schreier. But anyone who has heard Jon Vickers as Tristan, Florestan, Grimes or Otello will know that the mighty voice & ability to seem possessed by the role, will bring something different.And so it is. I have recordings of both the above, but again and again it's the Vickers voice that remains in my head - the voice held back, full of emotion, just occasionally exploding with a firepower beyond any other lieder singer I can think of.A very remarkable achievement & some phrase, somewhere will catch you & stay with you for a very long time!But it isn't 'classic'!"
Superb performace
Dag Kyndel | Hölö, Sweden | 06/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a most gripping performace indeed. At this stage of his career Vickers' voice was not traditionally "beautiful" but all the way through his performance you can feel his very great experience and above all his great love for Schubert's masterpiece. Excellent sound. Highly recommended."
Beautifully sung poetry
Dag Kyndel | 09/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is probably the slowest performance currently on CD, but once you hear it you never forget it. For years my personal favorite was the Pears/Britten, but it lacked feeling in interpretation of the words. If listening to a poetic experience in music is what you are after, definetly get this CD."
Very very Vickers. Unique.
Dag Kyndel | 08/30/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"All his questionable habits are clearly in evidence. Lots of scooping, on syllable after syllable. Redeemed (usually) by increase in volume during the approach to the pitch from below. His schwa ( "such-ahhhh", "weis-ehhhh") sounds consistantly un-German. It's something he does to make it audible over the orchestra in Wagner, especially when the pitch drops an octave at the end of the word, as in "Waels-e! Wae----------ls-ehhh! Wo ist dien Schwert!" Lots of Wagner singers do it. But it doesn't work in lieder, especially for Vickers. It makes him sound as if he were singing in French. However, his interpretation stays sincere and respectful, and he gets plenty of Sigmund-like moments of great power and suffering. You'll love it or hate it. Or both."