Brahms-Wolf: Lieder

Editorial Reviews
BBC Magazine
For anyone who believes that Wolf's songs provide some of life's most exquisite pleasures, the value of this set is quite simply beyond price, in part because it preserves a valid alternative to subsequent performance styles in Wolf.

Tracks:

Das Veilchen K. 476
Die Verschweigung K.518
Das Lied Der Trennung K. 519
Das Kinderspiel K. 598
Die Kleine Spinnerin K. 531
Als Luise Die Breife Ihres Ungetreuen Liebhabers Verbrannte K. 520
Einsam Ging Ich Jungst Im Haine K. 308 (295b)
An Chloe K. 524
Abendempfindung K. 523
Sehnsucht Nach Dem Fruhling K. 596
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen D 774
Lachen Und Weinen D 777
Dein Blaues Auge Halt So Still Op.59 No.8
Der Mon Steht Uber Dem Berge
I. Mit Der Njanja
II. Im Winkel
III. Der Kafer
IV. Mit Der Puppe
V. Abendgebet
VI. Steckenpferdreiter
I. Heuernte
II. Bei Der Braut
III. Hochzeit
IV. Wiegenlied
V. Burschentanz
An Eine Aolsharfe
Das Verlassene Magdlein
Begegnung
Standchen Op.17 No.2

Tracks:

Die Lotosblume Op.25 No.7
Mit Myrten und Rosen, Lieblich Und Hold Op.24 No.9
Du Bist Wie Eine Blume Op.25 No.24
I. Seit Ich Ihn Gesehen
II. Er, Der Herrlichste Von Allen
III. Ich Kann's Nicht Fassen Nicht Glauben
IV. Du Ring An Meinem Finger
V. Helft Mir, Ihr Schwestern
VI. Susser Freund, Du Blickest
VII. An Meinem Herzen, An Meiner Brust
VIII. Nun Hast Du Mir Den Ersten Schmerz Getan
Der Konig In Thule D 367
Das Lied Im Grunen D 917
Die Junge Nonne D 828
Fischerweise D 881
Seligkeit D 433
Die Forelle D 550
An Die Musik D 547
Traum Durch Die Dammerung Op.29 No.1
Meinem Kinde Op.37 No.3
Allerseelen Op.10 No.8
Morgen! Op.27 No.4

Lotte Lehmann: The Complete Victor Recordings (1935-1940)

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Lotte Lehmann: The Complete Victor Recordings (1935-1940)

Manufacturer: Romophone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001S3G
Release Date: 1995-11-22

Tracks:

An Chloe, K.524 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Die Verschweigung, K.518 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Die Schone Mullerin: Ungeduld, D.795, No.7 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Im Abendrot, D.799 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Die Kartenlegerin, Op.31, No.2 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Liederkreis: Waldesgoesprach, Op.39, No.3 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Der Tod Das Ist Die Kuhle Nacht, Op.96, No.1 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Therese, Op.86, No.1 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Meine Liebe Ist Grun, Op.63, No.5 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Anakreons Grab - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
In Dem Schatten Meiner Locken - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Do Not Chide - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
My Native Land - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Midsummer - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Fa La Nanna, Bambin - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Canto Di Primavera - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Ich Liebe Dich - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Schlafe, Mein Susses Kind - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
D'Une Prison - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Vierges D'Athens - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Gretel - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Selige Nacht - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Storchenbotschaft - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Der Gartner - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Du Denkst Mit Einem Fadchen Mich Zu Fangen - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Fur Musik, Op.10, No.1 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Gute Nacht, Op.5, No.7 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Lehn' Deine Wang' An Meine Wang' - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Gretchen Am Spinnrade, D.118 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Schlafe, Schlafe 'Weigenlied', D.498 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Du Bist Wie Eine Blume, Op.25, No.24 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Liederkreis: Fruhlingsnacht, Op.39, No.12 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh

Tracks:

Alte Laute, Op.35, No.12 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Botschaft, Op.47, No.1 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Das Madchen Spricht, Op.107, No.3 - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Mein Madel Hat Einen Rosenmund, No.25 From 49 Volkslieder - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Visions (Tonerna) - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Drink To Me Only - Lotte Lehmann/Erno Balogh
Gebet - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Nun Lass Uns Frieden Schliessen - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Fruhling Ubers Jahr - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Auf Ein Altes Bild - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
In Der Fruhe - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Auch Kleine Dinge - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Und Willst Du Deinen Liebsten Sterben Sehen - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Peregrina I - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Der Knabe Und Das Immlein - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Heimweh - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Er und Sie, Op.78, No.2 - Lotte Lehmann
So Wahr Die Sonne Scheinet, Op.37, No.12 - Lotte Lehmann
Unterm Fenster, Op.34, No.3 - Lotte Lehmann
Familien - Gemalde, Op.34, No.4 - Lotte Lehmann
Ich Denke Dein, Op.78, No.3 - Lotte Lehmann
Winterreise: Die Nebensonnen, D.911, No.23 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Die Post, D.911, No.13 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Der Sturmische Morgen, D.911, No.18 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Der Lindenbaum, D.911, No.5 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Der Wegweiser, D.911, No.20 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Die Krahe, D.911, No.15 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Das Wirtshaus, D.911, No.21 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Tauschung, D.911, No.19 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Mut! D.911, No.22 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: In Dorfe, D.911, No.17 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky
Winterreise: Ruckblick, D.911, No.8 - Lotte Lehmann/Paul Ulanowsky

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Unpublished Recordings

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Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Unpublished Recordings

Manufacturer: Testament UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Farewell Recital 1977
Unpublished Emi Recordings - 1955-1958
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf: The Unpulblished EMI Recordings, 1946-1952
The Very Best of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Schubert: 24 Lieder

ASIN: B0000517A5
Release Date: 2001-02-13

Average customer rating:

Wonderful
Terrific recording
Christa in her prime
Christa Ludwig is in great shape

Christa Ludwig - Les Introuvables
Johannes Brahms , Gustav Mahler , Robert Schumann , Max Reger , Franz Schubert , Hugo Wolf , Richard Strauss , Maurice Ravel , Camille Saint-Saens , Sergey Rachmaninov , Gioachino Rossini , Richard Wagner , George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Berlin Symphony Orchestra , Otto Klemperer , Horst Stein , Karl Forster , Christa Ludwig , Gerald Moore , Geoffrey Parsons , Herbert Downes , Amaryllis Fleming , Douglas Whittaker , Alexander Pushkin , and Mathilde Wesendonk
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Very Best of Christa Ludwig

ASIN: B000002S2Z
Release Date: 1992-04-14

Tracks:

Sapphische Ode, Op. 94 Nr. 4
Liebestreu, Op. 3 Nr. 1
Der Schmied, Op. 19 Nr. 4
Die Mainacht, Op. 43 Nr. 2
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): He, Zigeuner
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Hochgeturmte Rimaflut
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Wisst ihr, wann mein Kindchen
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Lieber Gott, du weisst
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Brauner Bursche
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Roslein dreie
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Kommt dir manchmal in den Sinn
8 Zigeunerlieder (d'apres les quatuors vocaux Op. 103): Rote Abendwolken ziehn
2 deutsche Volkslieder: Och mod'r, ich well en Ding han!
2 deutsche Volkslieder: We kumm ich dann de Pooz erenn?
Dein blaues Auge, Op. 59 Nr. 8
Von ewiger Liebe, Op. 43 Nr. 1
Das Madchen spricht, Op. 107 Nr. 3
O wusst ich doch, Op. 63 Nr. 8
Wie Melodien zieht es mir, Op. 105 Nr. 1
Madchenlied, Op. 107 Nr. 5
Vergebliches Standchen
Der Tod, das ist die kuhle Nacht, Op. 96 Nr. 1
Auf dem See, Op. 59 Nr. 2
Feldeinsamkeit, Op. 86 Nr. 2
In stiller Nacht ('Deutsche Volkslieder' Nr. 42)
Schwesterlien ('Deutsche Volkslieder', Nr. 15)
Immer leiser wird mein Schlummer, Op. 105 Nr. 2
Standchen, Op. 106 Nr. 1
Gestillte Sehnsucht, Op. 91 Nr. 2
Geistilches Wiegenlied, Op. 91 Nr. 2

Tracks:

Ich ging mit Lust durch einen grunen Wald ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Hans und Grete
Fruhlingsmoren
Wo die schonen Trompeten blasen ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Der Schildwache Nachtlied ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Um schlimme Kinder ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Ich atmet' einen linden Duft
Liebst du um Schonheit
Um Mitternacht
Das irdische Leben ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Wer hat dies Liedlein erdacht ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Lob des hohen Verstandes ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
Des Antonius von Padua Fischpredigt ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Rheinlegendchen ('Des Knaben Wunderhorn')
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Seit ich ihn gesehen
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Er, der Herrlichste von allen
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Ich kann's nicht fassen
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Du Ring, an meinem Finger
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Helft mir, ihr Schwestern
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Susser Freund, du blickest
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: An meinem Herzen
Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42: Nun hast du mir den ersten Schmerz getan
Der Brief, Op. 76 No. 8
Waldeinsamkeit, Op. 76 No. 3

Tracks:

Die Allmacht, D. 852
Fischerweise, D. 881
An die Musik, D. 547
Der Musensohn, D. 764
Ganymed, D. 544
Auf dem Wasser zu singen, D. 774
Ave Maria, D. 839
Die Forelle, D. 550
Gretchen am Spinnrade, D. 118
Fruhlingsglaube, D. 686
Der Tod und das Madchen, D. 531
Lachen und Weinen, D. 777
Litanel auf das Fest 'Aller Seelen', D. 343
Erikonig, D. 328
Der Hirt auf dem Feisen, D. 965
Gesang Weylas
Auf einer Wanderung
Die Nacht, Op. 10 Nr. 3
Allerseelen, Op. 10 Nr. 8
Schlechtes Wetter, Op. 69 Nr. 5

Tracks:

3 Chansons madecasses: Nahandove
3 Chansons madecasses: Aoua! Aoua!
3 Chansons madecasses: Il est doux
Une flute invisible
Chanson georgienne: 'Oh! cesse de chanteer, gentille jeune fille,' Op. 4 No. 4
'Moisson de tristesse'
La regata veneziana: 3 canzonettas en dialecte ventien: Anzoleta avanti la regata
La regata veneziana: 3 canzonettas en dialecte ventien: Anzoleta co passa la regata
La regata veneziana: 3 canzonettas en dialecte ventien: Anzoleta dopo la regata
Wesendonk-Lieder: Der Engel
Wesendonk-Lieder: Stehe still!
Wesendonk-Lieder: Im Treibhaus
Wesendonk-Lieder: Schmerzen
Wesendonk-Lieder: Traume
Julius Caesar: Acte I: 'Es blaut die Nacht' (Cleopatra)
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Nr. 58 - Aria: 'Es ist volbracht!'
Tristan und Isolde: III Akt: 'Mild und leise (Isoldes Liebestod)

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2003-07-20

This is a wonderful set. I would like to correct an error below. The climax in the Liebestod is a high A flat not high C. But you have to cut through the dense orchestration. That's why it's hard.

Terrific recording.......2003-07-06

I write this as s service to Christa Ludwig fans. This is a set of Lieder. Christa Ludwig is fabulous - as usual.

But if you want to hear Christa ludwig in a set of operatic recitals that will knock of your socks and blow you to bits. Look for this CD called "Celebrating Christa Ludwig". It has Christa Ludwig singing excerpts from Elektra (as Elektra!!!), Ariadne auf Maxos (as Ariadne!!), Die Frau Ohne Schatten (as the Dyer's Wife), Barber of Serville (as rosina) and the Immolation Scene of Gotterdammerung (as Brunnhilde!!!). She will blow you to bits with her unmatchable dramatic sense, vocal power and beauty of tone - the greatest Brunnhilde that never was and the greatest Elektra that never was. She did sing Ariadne once in Salzburg in 1964, and she sang the Dyer's Wife for 10 years from 1964 (Vienna State Opera) to 1974 (Salzburg Festival). Her complete Ariadne is available under Myto records.

Christa in her prime.......2001-09-19

Being an admirerer of Christa Ludwig, I went into purchasing this recording with great expectations, and it did not disappoint in any way. Ludwig is in her prime and is heard in wonderful interpretations and beautiful singing from among several composers and works. I not only enjoy listening to her personally, but am also able to put it to great use use in my Vocal Literature class here at the college in which I teach.

Christa Ludwig is in great shape.......2000-04-15

She sang all the major mezzo roles, and also some in the dramatic soprano repertory, notably Leonora in Fidelio, Lady Macbeth and the Marschallin.

Her voice is a rich, expressive mezzo capable of dramatic incisiveness and even throughout its considerable range. Her upper register in mezzo music is excintingly projected.

Although this compilation is composed of different recordings in different settings in different years, all of them show a young Ludwig when she had not yet acquired her prime and her status of, arguably, the best mezzo of the world, which would arrive in the years to come.

Ludwig, thirteen years Schwarzkopf's junior, was also a member of the legendary Ensamble of Berlin, which meant that each appearance of hers in any opera produced in Berlin, Munich, Vienna, London, Paris....by this Ensamble was backed by many hours of rehearsals with the same group of musicians. Usually this group comprised Schwarzkopf, Grümmer, Seefried, Berger, Güeden, Dermota, Tauber, and of course Furtwängler. This is how the legendary recording of COSI FAN TUTTE was made, in which she shared credits with Schwarzkopf.

Disc one is devoted to Brahms -not less than 30 Lieder are here. She doesn't sing Brahms with intimacy, rather she attacks each song with open throat. Her diction, her care for words is now proverbial. My favorite Lied in this disc is In stiller Nacht. She sets the melancholic mood of the song with her rich, vibrant contralto-like tones.

Disc two brings us Ludwig singing Mahler, Schumann and Reger. From the melodic lines of Mahler's Des Knaben Wunderhorn to the tortuous inflexions of Max Reger's two songs, she shows an extreme afinity with these composers. Schumann is taken very sensously, one can almost feel her velvety and creamy narrations of the woman-in-love of the song cycle.

Disc three is devoted to Schubert, Wolf and Strauss. Ludwig was not compelled to sing too much Wolf or Strauss (only 5 Lieder by these composers). It is her Schubert that shows her in splendid form. Auf dem Wasser zu singen is sung at such a low speed that her tone can only be described as luxurious. Erlkönig finds in her voice an ideal interpreter for the four characters of the song. In Wolf's Gesang Weylas, Gerald Moore has produced some magical arpeggios in the piano accompaniment, but of course this in only natural in him being the best accompanist ever.

Disc four is a miscellaneous melange of Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Rossini, Wagner, Händel and Bach. Ludwig never tried to sing on stage Isolde, but she recorded it; the Liebestod is taken at an exciting pace and one is only waiting for the climax to see if she can do it (the top c's). Yes, she can do it. Händel's aria from Julius Caesar is, again, sensous and exciting. Händel is another composer with whom she felt communicated. Ravel's Chansons Madécasses can only be described as magical. And of course she was outstanding in Bach oratorios, as is the case of Johannes Passion.

Wagner's Wessendonk Lieder are sung lustrously. I especially enjoyed Träume, which actually is sung, as its title suggests, dreamily.

Praised be the two accompanists for the majority of the recordings, Gerald Moore and Geoffrey Parsons. Both have gone now and the musical world seems so empty without their supreme touch. I do believe that 50% of Christa Ludwig's success as a Lieder Singer was due to them.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent overview of Dietrich Fischer Dieskau with Deutsche Grammophon.......2005-11-08

"An die Musik", aptly named after the famous Schubert lied of the same title, is an excellent overview of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau's recorded output for Deutsche Grammophon over the past 56 years. On the CDs, there are six Schubert lieder from Fischer-Dieskau's 21 disc set with pianist Gerald Moore, (dating from ca. 1970) and other lieder by Wolf, Richard Strauss, Brahms, and Schoeck. Also included are two chansons of Claude Debussy, and arias from Mozart's "Die Zauberflote" and "Don Giovanni", both conducted by Ferenc Fricsay; small part of Fricsay's Orff "Carmina Burana" (rec. 1949), Schubert's "Dichterliebe" cycle with pianist Jorg Demus; and the 4 Ruckert lieder with Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic. Fischer-Dieskau is amazing, with such a wide repertory, and such enthusiasm for singing such varied and different styles of music.

The bonus DVD, lasting about 28 minutes, is very interesting to watch and listen to. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and pianist Sviatoslav Richter peform 8 famous Schubert lieder in the great room of a hotel in a remote Bavarian village, in utterly charming and rather informal surroundings. The camera work is minimal, the sound, very fine but a little low level mono: filmed in 1978. Fischer-Dieskau looks alot younger here than more recent photos of him, but a little older and more classy than the photos I'm used to seeing of him, which date from the late 1960s. Fischer-Dieskau and Richter work as one, and their partnership and great working relationship is evident from measure 1. There is no doubt watching this that they had alot of fun performing for the cameras.

I am grateful DG released this set: 2 very full discs at over 70 minutes of music each, + the DVD of a telecast not seen since 1978. The sound is very good, even in the mono tracks, and if you like lieder and opera excerpts, you will be delighted. I mention this as one who's experienced Fischer-Dieskau's recordings for 25 years, and been usually delighted by them.

Average customer rating:

An Introduction to the Songs of Brahms and Wolf
A feast of Lieder singing

Brahms, Wolf: Lieder

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000006327
Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

Wir Wandelten, Op.96 No.2: Hungarian Poem
Der Gang Zum Liebchen, Op.48 No.1: Bohemian Poem
Komm Bald, Op.97 No.5: Groth
Salamander, Op.107 No.2: Lemche
Nachtigall, Op.97 No.1: Reinhold
Serenase, Op.70 No.3: Goethe
Geheimnis, Op.71 No.3: Candidus
Von Waldbekranzter Hohe, Op.57 No.1: Daumer
Dein Blaues Auge Halt So Still, OP.59 No.9: Persian Poem, Hafiz
Wie Bist Du, Meine Konigin, Op.32 No.9: Persian Poem, Hafiz
Meine Liebe Ist Grun Wie Der Fliederbusch, Op.63 No.5: Feliz Schumann
Die Kranze, Op.46 No.1: Greek Poem
Sah Dem Edlen Bildnis, OP.46 No.2: MAgyar Poem
An Die Nachtigall, Op.46 No.4: Holty
Die Schale Der Vergessenheit, Op.46 No.3: Holty
In Waldeseinsamkeit, Op.85 No.85 No.6: Lemche
Wiegenlied, Op.49 No.4: Des ZKnaben Wunderhorn/Scherer
Sonntag, Op.47 No.3: Folksong
O Wusst'ich Doch Den Weg Zuruck, Op.63 No.8: Groth
Minnelied, Op.71 No.5: Holty
Fedelinsamkeit, Op.86 No.2: Almers
Standchen, Op.106 No.1: Kugler
Von Ewiger Liebe, Op.43 No.1: Wendish Poem
Die Mainnacht, Op.43 No.2: Holty
Botschaft, Op.47 No.1: Person Poem, Hafiz

Tracks:

Morike Lieder: Fussreise
Morike Lieder: Nimmersatte Liebe
Morike Lieder: Der Gartner
Morike Lieder: Verborgenheit
Morike Lieder: Der Tambour
Morike Lieder: Gessang Weylas
Morike Lieder: Jagerlied
Morike Lieder: An Die Geliebte
Morike Lieder: Gebet
Morike Lieder: Auf Ein Altes Bild
Morike Lieder: Heimweh
Morike Lieder: An Eine Aolsharfe
Morike Lieder: Er Ist's
Morike Lieder: Elfenlied
Morike Lieder: Bei Einer Trauung
Morike Lieder: Abschied
Goethe Lieder: Erschaffen Und Beleben
Goethe Lieder: Blumengruss
Goethe Lieder: Gleich Und Gleich
Goethe Lieder: Spottlied Aus Wihelm Meister
Goethe Lieder: Anakreons Grab
Goethe Lieder: Phanomen
Goethe Lieder: Herfenspieler I
Goethe Lieder: Herfenspieler II
Goethe Lieder: Herfenspieler III
Goethe Lieder: Der Rattenfanger
Goethe Lieder: Ob Der Koran Von Ewigkeit Set?
Goethe Lieder: Trunken Mussen WIr Alle Sein!
Goethe Lieder: So Long Man Nuchteern Ist
Goethe Lieder: Sie Haben Wegen Der Trunkenheit
Goethe Lieder: Was In Der Schenke Waren Heute

Customer Reviews:

An Introduction to the Songs of Brahms and Wolf.......2005-07-05

In many ways, this two-volume CD is outstanding. It consists of one CD devoted to the songs of Johannes Brahms (1833 -- 1897) and a second CD devoted to the songs of erratic genius, Hugo Wolf
(1860 -- 1893). Baritone Thomas Allen has a deeply rich and expressive voice; his performance of these songs is all that could be desired. Pianist Geoffrey Parsons is one of the most gifted lieder accompanists. Elizabeth Schwarzkopf described Parsons as "a wonderful accompanist, especially for Hugo Wolf." The piano part for the Wolf songs is rich, detailed, and difficult, with long postludes. The piano frequently assumes orchestral proportions.

Brahms and Wolf are a study in contrasts. Brahms was a consummate master of large musical forms, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. Many music-lovers are unfamiliar with his songs. Yet these works, in their lyricism and simplicity show an important side of Brahms's work that is often overlooked -- his gift for melody and romance. Brahms composed songs througout his life beginning with his song "Liebestreu", opus 3 which first brought him to public attention through the "Four Serious Songs" opus 121 which commemorated the death of Clara Schumann. Brahms's songs are heavily indebted to Schubert. But they are carefully wrought and generally do not include the attention to verbal detail found in Schubert. Most of the songs sing of love found and lost -- the latter predominating -- and have an intimate quality not found in Brahms's larger compositions. Allen and Parsons perform beautifully a selection of 25 songs on this CD including the famous "Wiegenlied" (Brahms's lullabye).

As a young man, Hugo Wolf left a portfolio of work with Brahms for the master's review and approval. Unfortunately, Brahms was not impressed and advised the budding composer to pursue further studies in counterpoint. Angered, Wolf became Brahms's arch-enemy and never tired of deprecating the great composer during his career as a journalist and music-critic.

Unlike Brahms, Wolf excelled only as a composer of lieder. He worked erratically and in spurts, and most of his songs are collected in song-books devoted to the work of a single poet. Wolf tried to create songs in which voice, piano, and texts functioned as a unity. Musically, he is a successor to Gluck, Berlioz, and Wagner. There is no composer who paid more attention to the nuances of his texts. Wolf's music is of a surprisingly varied character but it tends to be declamatory and difficult in style and literally to wrap itself around the poetry.

This CD consists of 16 songs from Wolf's first songbook devoted to the poet Eduardo Morike. These songs are of a wide emotional range from passionate love songs to character studies, and to sardonically satirical verse. The CD also includes 15 of Wolf's Goethe songs which are generally serious and difficult in tone. Wolf's great settings of two works with classical themes, "Anakreon's Grab" and "Phanomen" are included here as are the three "Harfenspieler" songs from William Meister. (Schubert and Schumann also set these verses.)

With two CDs of songs by two great composers, beautiful performances, and a low price, this CD has much to commend it. The one deficiency in this collection lies in the program notes which are non-existent. Unfortunately, there are no song texts for either composer. The lack of texts is a much more serious ommission in the case of Wolf than for Brahms in that Wolf's songs depend heavily for their effect upon the set word. I couldn't give this set a five-star rating because of the absence of the texts.

That being said, I would still recommend this CD to the listener interested in song. Neither Brahms nor Wolf are overly well-represented in accessible CDs of lieder. The Brahms songs are rich and melodic and will appeal immediately even without the texts. The Wolf songs are more difficult in character, but I found myself able to respond to the performances here without the texts.

For those who know the Schubert and Schumann songs and wish to explore the works of these two later masters of lieder, this is an excellent choice. This CD will help you fall in love with the songs of Brahms and Wolf -- and to pursue texts and further detail if you so desire. If you already know these songs, these performances will be a welcome addition and will deepen your love for this great music.

Robin Friedman

A feast of Lieder singing.......2000-01-30

This is a splendid pair of discs. Thomas Allen's performances of these great songs are thoroughly idiomatic and beautifully sung from beginning to end. He has an inate sense of line and does not need to interupt the melodic flow of the songs with excessive expressive posturing as many other singers do. His Wolf recital (the second disc) would make an excellent introduction to the music of this composer.

He has an exceptional accompanist in Geoffrey Parsons who has always been appreciated as one of the finest of all accompanists. Listening to these performances it is easy to see why.

The recording is excellent -- a warm acoustic and a perfect balance between the voice and the piano. The set represents exceptional value although the documentation is diabolical. No texts are provided.

Customer Reviews:

A missable item among the riches of the Schwarzkopf catalog.......2006-03-20

Since this double-CD is long out of print, I suppose there's not much value in criticizing it in detail. EMI has released dozens of lieder and opera recordings with their preeminent star, including great live concerts from Salzburg with Gerald Moore from this period in the mid-Fifties.

Compared to Moore and Edwin Fischer, by far her best accompanist, George Reeves is stiff and unimaginative, not to mention that the paino sounds thin and clattery. Schwarzkopf recorded every song here in at least one and often multiple versions that are much better. Unless you want a souvenir of Schwarzkopf live in New York, this set is a miss.

A complete Schwarzkopf lieder recital........2003-09-07

Lieder recitals featured prominently in the career of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Not many were recorded in their entirety, however, announced encores and all, or approved for issue. This double CD offers an opportunity to hear her in her prime, recorded in Carnegie Hall, New York, 25th November 1956.

With George Reeves, who brings vast experience and plenty of personality to the piano accompanying, Schwarzkopf delivers a succession of her favorite items, none too demanding (apart from an operatic aria) and all enthusiastically applauded by the audience. One or two of the Schubert strophic songs are given interesting dynamic "interpretative" presentations, not attempted in her studio recorded versions. After a bracket of Mozart lieder, Schwarzkopf announces that she has received many requests for the inclusion of an operatic aria. She provides one of Fjordiligi's arias from "Cosi fan tutte", coping wonderfully well with its many difficulties.

Tracks:

Es muss ein Wunderbares sein
Gesang Weylas
Verborgenheit
Deep River
My Soul's Been Anchored In The Lord
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
This Little Light O'Mine
Ride On, King Jesus
Zigeuner-Lieder Op. 55: Mein Lied ertont ein Liebespsalm
Zigeuner-Lieder Op.55: Ei, ei wie mein Triangel
Zigeuner-Lieder Op.55: Rings ist der Wald so stumm und still
Zigeuner-Lieder Op.55: Als die alte Mutter mich noch lehrte singen
Zigeuner-Lieder Op.55: Reingestimmt, die Saiten!
Zigeuner-Lieder Op.55: In dem weiten, breiten Luft'gen Leinenkleide
Zigeuner-Lieder Op.55: Darf des Falken Schwinge
Wie Melodien Op. 105
An die Nachtigall Op. 46 - 4
Auf dem Kirchhofe Op. 105 - 4
Alte Liebe Op. 72 - 1
Der Tod, das ist die kuhle Nacht Op. 96 - 1
Dein blaues Auge halt so still Op. 59 - 8
Ah! Perfido Op. 65
Salome: Final Scene: 'Ah, ich habe deinen Mund gekusst, Jochanaan'

Tracks:

Interview
Tosca: 'Vissi d'arte'
Interview
Macbeth: 'Vieni t'affretta'
Interview
Cavalleria Rusticana: 'Voi lo sapete'
Interview
Ernani, Act 1: 'Ernani, involami'
Interview
Aida: 'Chi mai fra gl'inni e i plausi...Fu las sorte dell'armi'

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Portrait.......2004-08-07

This compilation album of recitals and operatic performances featuring "her royal" Grace is long overdue. Grace Bumbry's fiery interpretations have garnered praise the world over, and this compilation features several of her calling card roles, in addition to roles many thought would put a stop to her career.
This intimate portrait of sorts allows one to hear first hand how roles such as Santuzza, Tosca, Salome, and both Aida and Amneris should be sung. Ms. Bumbry's dramatic interpretations of roles often sung by lyric sopranos give these "dramatic" heroines new life.
Of the 2 CD set, the second CD is the most valuable, for it includes several in depth interviews with "her Grace" and allows the listener to witness first hand a proud (not arrogant) diva whose self assured attitude found its way into her concert and operatic performances and sustained this singer who I feel is the greatest living mezzo/soprano of our day!

A Well Deserved Portrait.......2002-07-15

These CDs show a wonderful artist. Grace has an amazing voice and tackles several roles well. Also great is her interpretation of one of Dvorak's song cycle. The treasures in the set are the interviews which I think allow us to hear how Grace interprets her rolls and it shows a bit of sass on her part. Wonderful set for a wonderful artist.