Schumann: Liederkreis, op. 39 / 12 Gedichte, op.35

Schumann: Liederkreis, op. 39 / 12 Gedichte, op.35

Young German baritone Matthias Goerne first came to general attention when Graham Johnson chose him for a volume in the Hyperion Schubert lieder series, but he has gone on from there to widespread acclaim for his recitals and recordings. He was a student of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and since he sings the same repertory, comparisons are inevitable and instructive. Goerne has a darker and weightier voice than his teacher (though he also has a beautiful high register), and one that is more naturally delivered and much more sensuous; he emphasizes beauty of tone more than the words, with a resulting loss of the kind of pointed accents and emphases that make Fischer-Dieskau's lieder interpretations so compelling. But Goerne's performances of these Schumann songs are equally compelling in their own way. He conveys the spirit of the love songs in Op.Â 39 and the darker ruminations of Op.Â 35 with equal skill and expressive intensity. He is especially effective in subdued passages, where he produces a legato pianissimo that is ravishing (for instance, in the quiet ending of "Alte Laute," the last song of Op.Â 35). Eric Schneider provides subtle and sensitive accompaniment throughout this highly recommended recording. --Alex Morin

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