"With the exception of 'Der Tod und das Madchen', Ganymed, and Suleika I, Jessye Norman brings an overly exagerated, operatic quality to the Schubert Lieder which is out of place. The lieder works on this Cd do not lend themselves as being intimate or well enunciated as the composer intended. Another loss is the 'Erlkonig' where Norman fails to distinguish vocally the four character voices essential to make the song coherent and dramatic. I have the greatest admiration for Jessye Norman as an opera singer but her Schubert is in need of improvement."
A lovely schubert recital by Jessye Norman!!!!
montserratblackmaddona | gastonia, NC USA | 09/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A Jessye Norman cd that gives much enjoyment.A beautiful cover photo of Jessye and a booklet with informative linear notes as well as lyrics.All the pieces she performs here are little gems.The sound quality is well done.The recording captures her large voice and lush timbre to perfection.This album is a true time capsule,buy it and Jessye Norman can live with you forever."
An Absolute Triumph!!!!
montserratblackmaddona | 07/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"... Ms. Norman gives strength, vitality, and well-rounded beauty to these famous works!!!... I cherish this as one of my favorite discs of Schubertian Lied (33 in my collection). To put it simply, if you have been a fan of Ms. Norman's recordings in the past then this is a true eye-opening desert island disc!! :-)"
A diva in Schubert, but Norman makes it work
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 12/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There's no avoiding the amplitude of Jessye Norman's voice, which falls just short of Flagstad's. One is tempted to say that as a lieder singer she is grander than anyone who is more musical and more musical than anyone who is grander. Listening to other big-voiced divas attempting to sing lieder (Eileen Farrell, Regine Crespin, Birgit Nilsson, Flagstad) I'm struck by how well Norman scales her voice back and yet keeps it sweet and full.
She is altogether a sympathetic singer of Schubert. There is no application of fake or rhetorical posing, no standardized platform manner (which this singer is certainly capable of). Her vocal acting, when called for in a song like Erlkonig or Der Zwerg (both are highlights), is absolutely thrilling. In fact, I don't think there is a diva to match her in any of these songs, which Norman recorded in her prime in 1984.
So if you don't mind vocal plushness and an air of command--or if you actually love those qualities--this Schubert collection is unmatched. Who else takes you on a wild ride?"