Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Inger Sodergren :: Schubert: Schwanengesang; 5 Lieder

Such a joy!

G. Rodger | Milwaukee WI USA | 09/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The truth is, I am distinctly biased when it comes to Nathalie Stutzmann. She is the only alto now singing who meets my needs for an alto. But of the 40+ recordings I own of hers, this is among my favorites. It is, on the whole, better than her Winterreise, which is also remarkable. This CD is worth buying if only for the rendition of Death and the Maiden. I have long loved Brigitte Fassbaender's recording of this song but Stutzmann's rendition far surpasses it. She is so in control as a singer, and so dramatic--it is easy to believe the terror of the Maiden. And in Stutzmann's hands Death becomes a fabulously suave and distinctly muscular character--her final D is worth every penny of the price of this recording. I have bought several copies of this as gifts, and bought my own copy while in Europe because I was unwilling to wait for it to be released in the US.



While I prefer Stutzmann singing French or Italian to German, this is a lovely collection and she is at her best when she can embrace the drama inherent in these songs. And, as always, Stutzmann's connection with Sodergren is unbelievable. These performers move together so closely that they are like one soul in two bodies. They represent, without doubt, one of the most satisfying collaborations between singer and pianist active today. This is a disc I will be listening to for many years to come."