Search - Schumann, Stutzmann :: Lieder 4

With a few exceptions, this disc presents a program of relatively unfamiliar Schumann songs, all of them well worth hearing, but not necessarily in one sitting. They range from guileless simplicity, especially in the Songs for the Young, to dreamy yearning, ominous, spooky somberness, and almost operatic drama--all characteristic of many Schumann songs. Stutzmann's voice is pure, warm as dark velvet, and capable of great expressive variety; her diction is excellent. In the opening group, she overinflects, but later she brings out all the youthful, joyous charm and innocence of the music, as well as their inwardness, melancholy, tragic somberness, defiance, and humor; the dramatic songs are riveting. She is abetted mightily by pianist Inger Södergren, who supports her at every turn, and whose preludes and postludes are marvels of poise and balance. Edith Eisler