Customer Reviews

Grieg: Songs

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

 

 

Katarina Karneus was a new name to me. This Swedish mezzo is a very fine performer indeed. Her beautiful voice, perfect intonation, and insightful interpretations make this recital of Grieg songs a real treasure. Her tendency to hold a note with straight tone (no vibrato) upon attack and then after a quick second to began her vibrato begins to be a bit predictable, but then this is a small quibble. (Actually I'd prefer that she use a bit more straight tone, as she does this beautifully!) The excellent pianist is, by the way, the notable Julius Drake (not Robert Vignoles, as written by another reviewer). Highest recommendation for the singer, the pianist, and the fine recording quality.

Grieg: Songs is a Hyperion Records recording from 2008 with Katarina Karneus singing mezzo-soprano and Julius Drake playing the piano. Robert Matthew-Walker has written the liner-notes. The lyrics are available in Norweigan and English. Highly recommended. 5/5.

Before this CD, I had never listened to any of Grieg's songs nor had I ever heard the Swedish mezzo-soprano, Katarina Karneus. What a terrific surprise! Grieg's songs had that Schubertian quality of intimacy and beauty. Karneus, ably accompanied by Robert Vignoles, exquisitely brought them to life. I listened to this CD in my car in the middle of rush hour traffic. However, I was so entranced by the singing that I did not care that my car was only moving at five miles per hour. I wanted the trip to pass slowly so that I could enjoy this CD in one sitting. As usual, the Hyperion recording's sound quality is superlative- well balanced and crystal clear. I highly recommend this CD to those who want to discover Grieg's songs or who are just lovers of lieder.