Search - Fryderyk Chopin, Elzbieta Szmytka, Malcolm Martineau :: Chopin Complete Edition - Songs / Elzbieta Szmytka, Marcolm Martineau

Undiscovered gems!

Czinczar | Southeast Michigan, USA | 08/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was a twisted path that led me to the discovery of Chopin's songs. You probably experienced the same thing. Since Chopin's piano melodies don't lend themselves to vocal interpretation, you're probably wondering if Chopin had what it took to write for the voice. With this recording, you'll be pleasantly shocked to realize that he was a master of the song as well. Nothing gloomy here. Just lots of light, lilting songs with gorgeous, flowing melodies. Why did these disappear? Because the lyrics are in Polish? Because art songs and lieder are neglected these days? Jeremy Siepmann, who wrote the album's liner notes, takes Chopin to task because these songs aren't heavy, profound masterpieces like the German lieder writers wrote. He also objects to Chopin using supposedly "second-rate" poets for the lyrics. Bah! The lyrics are light, in keeping with the atmosphere of the songs. Polish soprano Szmytka gives a splendid performance. Some may feel that her voice doesn't sound light enough, but I think that's due to the nature of the Polish language. Martineau give an excellent accompaniment in typical Chopin piano style. Chopin didn't write a flashy accompaniment. He wrote in a simple, subdued style, with lots of Polish dance rhythms. You marvel at how he blended these rhythms with the flowing vocal melodies. If you're a true Chopin lover, you simply must have these songs! Don't worry if you don't have volumes 1 thru 8 of the series. Though I haven't heard any other recordings to compare this to, I'd say this is a fantastic recording of them. I can't recommend it highly enough!"