Search - Goerne, Leonskaja :: Schubert: Sehnsucht

A demanding, often dark recital, but well worth it

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 04/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Has Decca dropped their star lieder singer? Here on his new label Mathias Goerne reveals a darker voice, with mroe strength and power than its earlier phase. He is also less mellifluous, which I am greateful for; a melting, honeyed tone wouldn't suit this dark Schubert recital. Although titled "Yearning," it might well have been called "Suppressed Torment" -- listening to more than six songs at a time creates empathic melancholy.



The selection of repertoire is also challenging to the average listener, even one who loves Schubert. When "Gruppe aus dem Tartarus" is the most well known song on the program, you're definitely serving caviar to the general. The audience may be limited, but Goerne gives powerful accounts here, as good as any I've heard. Elisabeth Leonskaja is rather a star in her own right, and her accompaniments are fine, if not quite distinctive or strong enough to truly stand out."

Stunning

A reader | San Francisco, CA USA | 04/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Disclaimer--I'm not altogether sure why you should you care what I think. I can't sing, play an instrument, or read music. But I know excellence when I hear it. This recital is magical--dark, but probing, intelligent, and tasteful. Kudos to both partners, pianist and singer, as well as to the production team. I find Goerne's voice a ravishing instrument; if you are familiar with him and feel the same way, I can't imagine you'd be disappointed with this."

Vocal gold

Suihung Kanjanapas | Bangkok Thailand | 11/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gosh I am in love with the NEW Matthias Georne's voice! I have always liked him with his Decca CD but these new recordings find him in a much creamier, darker and more even toned voice. (In the past, sometimes he seemed to be over playing with interpretation that he would sacrifice vocal line and sometimes sang at half voice.) Seldom do u get a male voice this creamy, he is like the baritone version of Renee Fleming!"