Search - Alexander von Zemlinsky :: Zemlinksy: Lyrische Symphonie Op. 18 [Hybrid SACD]

Exquisitely balanced, deeply concentrated, completely beguil

Pater Ecstaticus | Norway | 01/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I did have another recording of Alexander Zemlinsky's Lyrische Symphonie once, namely the recording by the otherwise excellent North German Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Claus Peter Flor, with Boje Skovhus and Luba Orgonasova in the singing parts. But I decided to part with it, because, in the end, it left me untouched and unmoved: really unacceptable with this music. This had to do with the fact that I felt that somehow, real 'drama' was missing. This was mainly the result of the singing (especially mr. Skovhus's), which sounded coolly detached and uninvolved somehow. But also, the balances between orchestral pianissimo's and fortissimo's were so wide as to be almost uncomfortable for repeated listening.

None of these things with this new, magnificent recording under review here! This recording has convinced me of the fact that I do indeed love Alexander Zemlinsky's Lyrische Symphonie, although others had maybe almost (inadvertantly) made me believe otherwise ;-)

First of all there is the finely balanced, warmly sympathetic playing of the orchestra. All of the exquisite detail is lovingly caressed and played out to the full by conductor and orchestra, I would say (although I must confess that I am a complete musical amateur, not being able to read music!). But all is done with finesse and with style. Furthermore, the balances within the orchestra are crystal clear, while at the same time, all instruments are blended in a way so as to make for a nicely 'natural' aural experience that is very sympathetic to the ears.

About the singing, I really love the singing of Matthias Goerne and especially Christine Schaefer. Christine Schaefer's voice really flutters and soars over the orchestra like a magical, colorful bird. She matches technical perfection and a silky clear timbre with wonderful depth of feeling - truly captivating how she (and the orchestra) keep completely focussed the whole time during for example the stillness of No. IV - "Sprich zu mir, Geliebter"! I also love Matthias Goerne's warm, flowing baritone, truly enveloping the listener, which is quite appropriate with this music. Also it is a convenience that both singers' mother tongue is German, wich lends their singing - at least to the ears of this particular listener - a certain extra emotional directness. Together with conductor and orchestra, these two wonderful singers keep tight rein on the proceedings, keeping the dramatic arc completely intact from beginning to end, which is so very important with this music that - in less disciplined hands - can seem to just wander or float about from place to place, which it obviously doesn't. This exquisite music deserves to be served by only the best performers available, I believe, and with this recording, complete and true justice has been done!

Truly captivating ... Completely beguiling ... Highly recommended."