Customer Reviews

Lehmann: In a Persian Garden/Dunhill: Songs of the River

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

 

 

I didn't know this music before, & I'm probably not alone in that. I'm glad to know it, and I won't be alone in that among those who get this fine disk. These are stylish and committed performances, which sell the personal and intimate qualities of the music. I've listened to the disk often, and have come to like it more and more.

I'm looking forward to their next selections.

This is a terrible recording. The male voices sounding as untrained high school singers. The mezzo using an entirely produced sound and the soprano trying desperately to maintain control of the upper third of the written range. How disappointing to anyone really interested in this curious piece from the vocal repertoire. The pianist does a fine job over all but the choice of instrument is not the best. I would only recommend this recording to voice teachers as a prime example of how not to sing. Ever. Really, ever. It's simply an horrible experience.

It was with great anticipation that I awaited my copy of the CD with Liza Lehmann's "In a Persian Garden," having treasured this work from the days of my youth. I was dumbfounded that Quattro Voci Records or any company would choose to present such an inept performance of this little gem. As such, it demonstrates that music of this genre is not to be approached casually. Stripped of a sonorous orchestral background, chamber pieces like this lay it all out there with any deficiencies standing out like warts. The group to a man simply lacks the vocal technique to bring forth the subtleties of the piece which require style, involvement in the material, supported mezzo forties and pianissimos and a sense of blend.
I have in my possession what are perhaps the only two recordings of the work (one slightly truncated) on 78rpms from the 1920s, and on separate disks, excerpts by John McCormack and Laurence Tibbett. Perhaps not having heard the piece or any part of it done in the proper manner, one could be captivated by its quaintness and novelty. But, listening to my old recordings even with their deficiencies in sound, clearly demonstrates that there infinitely more to be drawn form this work than is presented by the Cantabile Vocal Quartet.

The Cantabile Vocal Quartet's interpretation of Lehmann's "In a Persian Garden" and Dunhill's "Songs of the River" is an example of distinct individual voices fusing to create an exquisite product. When one thinks of a vocal ensemble immediately visions of large, sweeping clouds of sound surface. An intense level of emphasis is placed on this characteristic as an ultimate goal. This idea in many cases overshadows the main objective and becomes an unnecessary focus. The uniqueness of the Cantabile Vocal Quartet lies in the usage of four different voices to create the finished product. The integrity of the voices forces the listener to see each as an individual instrument. There are four crystal-clear lines that weave and intermix at all times. Usage of voices in this manner allows the listener to hear each entity enhancing the texture of the sound. Even though there are diverse instruments interacting they still possess a fluidity. As if one is painting a picture with words on a blank canvas carefully sculpted by the masterful piano playing. Great attention is paid to each detail laced in the text. The presentation of both cycles is done with precision. There is a classic simplicity to the group that allows for easy accessibility to a modern audience. The level of intimacy created by the voice and piano combination brings the listener along on the journey embarked upon by the Cantabile Vocal Quartet. It is with enthusiasm I recommend this selection. Especially for a listener looking to be challenged and feel like a part of this musical experience.