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4.0 out of 5 stars
Not for casual listeners, June 4, 2011
This review is from: Schubert: Die Winterreise (Audio CD)
Julius Patzak's recording of Schubert's final song cycle, Die Winterreise is exceptional for one reason: Patzak's delivery of Wilhelm Müller's poetry. Recorded when Patzak was 64 years old, there are definite signs of aging and occasional fatigue in his voice. However, I must point out that he never resorts to forcing the tone to compensate. That is a mark of a true singing artist. It is also worth noting that Patzak succeeds in creating a total artistic arc in the cycle; from the protagonist's journeying out from his town, where he has left his lover, to his eventual meeting up with a beggar and joining him to who knows what end. Side note: Patzak sings Der Leiermann in the original key of b minor, up a whole step from most renditions. The CD does not include the text nor translations of the song cycle. Jörg Demus ably accompanies Mr. Patzak; breathing with him and allowing his voice to recoup after strenuous sections of music.
There are more beautifully sung versions of Winterreise out there; my other favorites are Hermann Prey and Thomas Quasthoff, but there are few that highlight the text as poignantly as Patzak's.
Recommended.
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