Customer Reviews

Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin; Schwanengesang; Winterreise

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

 

 

Bar is one of the great lieder singers, with a better sounding voice then Fischer-Dieskau. These are terrific performances with good digital sound.

EMI is trashing its own catalogue. This is a bargain.

In such a crowded and well credentialed field, there is no claimant to the definitive performance of these works. Certainly Baer is first class, even if he does not efface memories of Wunderlich or Hotter: surely detente is possible. Much like a viola, his chest-register varies across his range and marvellously so. He is scrupulous in his attention to the text but not in a way that detracts from the overall flow. He is alive to the drama/narrative, not only of each song but also across each cycle when viewed as a whole: it really is a journey, one of which is undertaken and terminates in Winter. Better still, there are no Bostridge-like whoops or histrionics. And it is a partnership of equals: Parsons matches Baer's acuity throughout. They are expertly recorded.

Do not hesitate. What have you got to lose other than a fiver of whatever currency?

To get all three of Schubert's cycles performed by the best Leider singer around for just 9 pounds delivered is incredible. Definitely buy this CD.