Naxos have released another volume in their Deutsche Schubert-Lied Edition which is a projected cycle of the complete Schubert output of over seven hundred songs. The series has grouped many of the songs according to the poets who inspired him to set their words to music. This release is the third volume of lieder devoted to Schubert’s settings of poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe which he composed for the male voice between 1814 and the 1820s. The series has been conceived as being performed by the current elite of young German-speaking singers.

Laureate tenor Johannes Kalpers comes across as an intelligent and engaging singer and has a most appealing artist capacity to actually ‘perform’ the lieder. Just how many times have we been disappointed to hear top lieder singers, even those who coach ‘artistic expression’ in their masterclasses, offer interpretations with as little expression as if they were ordering a take-away meal over the telephone. Kalpers passionately feels every word and expresses every nuance, providing the listener with a wealth of lyricism and authentic sense of drama. In addition it is pleasing and refreshing to hear a young singer with a marked scarcity of vibrato which seems fairly unusual in lieder these days. The gravity of Schubert’s famous Erlkönig (track 4) is charmingly contrasted by Johannes Kalpers against works like the genial Der Musensohn (track 16). Pianist Burkhard Kehring acquits himself very well accompanying with sensitivity and keen imagination.

A very pleasing sound quality with informative annotation. An attractive release from a very fine young singer and a recital well worth exploring.

Michael Cookson

 

For reviews of other releases in this series,
see the Naxos Deutsche Schubert-Lied Edition page

Advertising Rates
Visitor stats
MusicWeb International
has over 21,000 Classical CD reviews on offer

Gerard Hoffnung Concerts &
The Bricklayer Story

New Releases

New Releases

MusicWeb Recommended Recordings 2008

DISCS OF THE YEAR 2007