Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Elaine Woods, Carolyn Watkinson :: Beethoven: Songs From British Isles

Beethoven: Songs from the British Isles

Robert C. Jenson | 04/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Beethoven was commissioned to compose music for British songs, but he was given free rein as to the music, not being constrained by the words. What he composed is marvelous, melodic, memorable, captivating, and haunting, to use just a few adjectives to describe this music. I have a 33-1/3 record (yes-vinyl) of other songs that he wrote for the Brits, and this CD is complementary to that - equally well performed. A person that likes OLD folksongs will be humming the tunes forthwith."

Beautiful songs, soulful music.

Abel | Hong Kong | 09/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Put it very simply - this album is for all song lovers.

Beethoven's vocal compositions do not rightfully enjoy their due in terms of critcisms. This album presents one facet of this composer's talent in writing for the voice.

The accompaniment comes in the form of a trio - piano violin and cello. Nothing could be more ideal for these melodies than such a small ensemble.

The effect is ethereally beautiful. Elaine Woods gives a most lyrical rendition of the pieces, whether solo or in ensemble. The male voices are a bit shrill at times, but still, very well rendered. The "It's sunshine at last" really makes you cry.

The four soloists with the accompaniment work very well. I wonder why those big names in the vocal sector do not record these pieces : Bostridge, Terfel, Fleming, von Otter would certainly make a wonderful quartet for these pieces. With the cellist Yo Yo Ma, violinist Joshua Bell (who claims that he loves vocal music so much), and pianist Emmanuel Ax, Beethoven's immaculate works would be fully justified."