Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair, for voice & piano
The Nightingale
Go 'Way from My Window, for voice & piano - Susanne Mentzer, Niles, John Jacob
Zapateado for guitar - Susanne Mentzer, Sainz De La Maza, R
Aranjuez, ma pens?e, for voice & guitar - Susanne Mentzer, Rodrigo, Joaquin
Andaluza (Playera), for guitar or other instrument (arrangement of No. - Susanne Mentzer, Granados, Enrique
Plaisir d'amour, for voice & piano (or orchestra) - Susanne Mentzer, Martini, J.P.
Jeune fillette
Que ne suis-je la foug?re!
L' amour s'envole
Maman, dites-moi, French folk song
Capricho ?rabe, for guitar - Susanne Mentzer, Tarrega, Francisco
St?ndchen - Susanne Mentzer, Schubert, Franz [Vi
Heidenr?slein ("Sah ein Knab..."), song for voice & piano, D. 257 (Op. - Susanne Mentzer, Schubert, Franz [Vi
Nachtst?ck ("Wenn ?ber Berge sich der Nebel breitet"), song for voice & - Susanne Mentzer, Schubert, Franz [Vi
Reveillez-vous
J'ai descendu
Le Rossignol
Marguerite, elle est malade [Marguerite Is Sick]
This is an intriguing collection of mostly folk and folk- influenced material in concert form. The splendid opera singer and recitalist Mentzer and the great guitarist Sharon Isbin have arranged their program for maximum v... more »ariety, even including several guitar solos as interludes. Although Mentzer says she has long wanted to record the five American folksongs that open the program, she sounds a little uncomfortable in them, too large-scale and operatic in delivery. But the remainder of the disc is excellent, including three wonderful Schubert Lieder and the delightful French folksongs arranged by the almost-forgotten composer Mátyás Seiber. The performers and recording engineers collaborate to ensure that the guitar is always properly audible. And what a great way for fans of each artist to meet the other! --Leslie Gerber« less
This is an intriguing collection of mostly folk and folk- influenced material in concert form. The splendid opera singer and recitalist Mentzer and the great guitarist Sharon Isbin have arranged their program for maximum variety, even including several guitar solos as interludes. Although Mentzer says she has long wanted to record the five American folksongs that open the program, she sounds a little uncomfortable in them, too large-scale and operatic in delivery. But the remainder of the disc is excellent, including three wonderful Schubert Lieder and the delightful French folksongs arranged by the almost-forgotten composer Mátyás Seiber. The performers and recording engineers collaborate to ensure that the guitar is always properly audible. And what a great way for fans of each artist to meet the other! --Leslie Gerber
CD Reviews
Nice idea, problems in execution
Dr. Alan D. Kardoff | 01/27/1999
(1 out of 5 stars)
"If you are intrigued by the idea of classical artists performing folk music, this album may prove discouraging. The fault is not with Isbin, who seems comfortable in any musical genre. Mentzer, on the other hand, runs into trouble immediately; her delivery lacks the necessary understatement, and her vibrato goes whanging all over the place. It's pretty painful, though it improves when the performers get to the lieder tracks and Mentzer seems more at ease. Still, getting to the later tracks isn't easy."
Bravo - Mentzer is warm, rich and musically pleasing
03/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The strength of Mentzer's full mezzo is moving and most enjoyable to the ear and heart. A truthful and beatifully trained artist whose voice allows the listener to do just that "listen". Worthy and rich, full of contrast and life, I find Mentzer's singing very moving. A fine compliment is Isbin's generousity with guitar. Buy this."
Bravo
Dr. Alan D. Kardoff | Palm Bay, FL USA | 07/30/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD presents two marvelous artists who each perform magnificiently in solo roles. I had sought this CD to hear Sharon Isbin. Susanne Mentzer's voice was unfamiliar. No longer.The CD consists of many folksongs, American and French plus British works and Lieder. The sound quality is superb. The symetry and synergy produced by Isbin and Mentzer has to be heard to be truly appreciated. Sometimes the voice or instrument is in the background. While writing I am listening to Mentzer and Isbin's guitar mastery provides a beautiful blend. There is one problem that I find. The title is misleading. After listening to this CD, most listeners will feel like neighbors, not strangers. They may be wandering but there is some direction. "Wayfaring" to me implies less direction. The music is spontaneous and moving. It is also free flowing rather than having each performer stick exactly to the scores. Yet they are in tandem. So, as they wander, their steps are in synct.(sp). I bought my copy on an auction. Now, I will look for more Mentzer works while continuing my search for more Isbin. If Erato shows its savvy, there should be an encore CD. Bravo."
Moving musicality - the voice of Mentzer is soulful and rich
Dr. Alan D. Kardoff | 03/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ms. Mentzer is a mezzo with a full rich range, yet very sensitive and moving. Her voice tells us she has love in a complicated life...as all fine artists share. Ms. Isbin is a fine compliment to Mentzer's brilliant and heartfelt singing. A fine addition to any music collection."
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1