Customer Reviews

Frederica von Stade sings Dorumsgaard, Mahler, Ives, Poulenc and others

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a wonderful concert! The material is varied and well-executed. Only three years into her international career, Miss Von Stade shows here exactly why she became an ovenight sensation in Europe. Most of the material in this concert has not previously been available on record. For Von Stade fans, this is an absolute MUST. For others, who obviously have never heard her, this is a glorious introduction to one of the world's finest singers.

This is a great find, recorded live in Edinburgh in 1976. Hearing this outstanding concert, it is easy to understand why Von Stade has a reputation for intimate rapport with an audience; she has a beautiful instrument coupled with unusually sensitive interpretive skills, plus a sense of humor. The program is wide-ranging and includes two of her best-known encores, as well as a bonus track from Massenet's "Cendrillon," with full orchestra conducted by Mario Bernardi.

The Ives set, with its contrasts in color and mood, could be a microcosm for the entire recital. "Memories," with its two contrasting parts, seems to be the audience favorite, judging from the laughter and spontaneous applause. And "Tom Sails Away" quietly quotes a familiar George M. Cohan song with gentle poignancy. The Mahler set is gorgeously done, as well as a colorful Poulenc group. And Benjamin Britten's haunting chord changes put a set of British folk songs in a fresh new context.

The two encores could not be more different: a sly rendition of the "Tipsy Song" from Offenbach's La Périchole, followed by Carol Hall's touching "Jenny Rebecca," which von Stade apparently learned after she heard it sung by Barbra Streisand.

Two small quibbles that keep this from being a five-star recommendation: the piano sound is a bit metallic, in the way that some live recordings can be. This should not deter anyone from purchasing the disc, and is no reflection whatsoever on Martin Isepp, whose outstanding playing and instincts are crucial to this recital's success. Also, the booklet notes are a bit sloppily edited. The track numbers begin with 1 through 7, then skip to 9 - i.e., track 9 should be no. 8, track 10 is no. 9, and so on. And the last paragraph just ends, with an incomplete sentence dangling in the air. But this is minor; just take a nice pen and make the changes in the booklet yourself.

An unusually varied recital by one of the most poised and intelligent singers of our time.

This is a great CD. I bought this CD specifically because I am a fan of Flicka. The CD opened a whole new world of music to me.
Dorumsgaard is an amazing composer who has, I've come to find out, over 20 volumes of beautiful music written for the voice and piano.

This has led me to other singers who have recorded his music.

This CD, however, stands alone as a great recital from top to bottom by Frederica von Stade.

If you like turn of the century art songs beautifully executed, then you will enjoy this recording from 1976.

What else can I say! I've been an admirer for thirty years, and to my taste Von Stade, like Von Otter and a few others, can do no wrong. This has some new stuff, always welcome, and an interesting variety. If you like Von Stade, not to be missed.