Classical Net

The Internet's Premier Classical Music Source

Related Links

Recommended Links

Give the Composers Timeline Poster



Site News

What's New for
Winter 2018/2019?

Site Search

Follow us on
Facebook    Twitter

Affiliates

In association with
Amazon
Amazon UKAmazon GermanyAmazon CanadaAmazon FranceAmazon Japan

ArkivMusic
CD Universe

JPC
ArkivMusic

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

CD Review

Gustav Mahler

From Lieder und Gesänge

  • Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen
  • Funf Rückert-Lieder
  • Kindertotenlieder
Stephan Genz, baritone
Roger Vignoles, piano
Hyperion CDA67392 73m DDD
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon JapanOrder Now from ArkivMusic.com

Mahler's music always has the capacity to thrill and this excellently compiled collection of songs is no exception. The indomitable Stephan Genz teams up with the equally talented Roger Vignoles for a fine traversal through those song cycles that were basically, the gestation for the symphonies that continue to mystify, edify and transcend humanity.

The first seven songs from 'Lieder und Gesänge' are typical Mahler. Genz finds some lovely atmosphere in 'Hans und Grete' while the "Phantasie" is equally imbued with mystery. The 'Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen' are also ravishingly done with Vignoles providing exemplary accompaniment to Genz's strongly characterful singing.

I was always a great fan of the 'Rückert Lieder' and Stephan Genz did not disappoint me in any way. The cycle is particularly suited to the contralto voice but I was quite bowled over by the baritone qualities that the songs have. 'Um Mitternacht' is particularly beautiful with Mahler's masterful piano writing superbly played by Vignoles.

The team concludes with a wonderful performance of Mahler's greatest song cycle, 'Kindertotenlieder'. This emotional traversal through the darkest moments of death is also very well done with superb renditions of 'Wenn dein Mutterlein' and 'In diesem Wetter, in diesem Braus', both sung with mastery accomplishment be Genz and emphatically accompanied by Vignoles.

Hyperion's recording is kind to the baritone and the piano is also well placed. The front cover painting is also ideally suited to the grim subjects of the song cycles and I have nothing but a wholehearted recommendation for this new release that should serve to enrich any self respecting collection of the celestial music of Gustav Mahler.

Copyright © 2004, Gerald Fenech

Trumpet

© 1995-2024 Classical Net
Use of text, images, or any other copyrightable material contained in these pages, without the written permission of the copyright holder,
except as specified in the Copyright Notice, is strictly prohibited. All Rights Reserved.