 |  | Could Schubert ask for a more perfect performance? |  |
One of Schubert's last and greatest songs (and that's saying a lot for arguably the greatest songwriter of any era) was The Shepherd on the Rock (Der Hirt auf dem Felsen). This song, in which the soprano is joined by piano and clarinet, is very long and extremely challenging, because there are three distinct moods to be communicated by the singer, to say nothing of the sheer vocal gymnastics. I have long regarded the song as a bitterly unfair test for merely excellent sopranos, and I have great sympathy for any soprano courageous enough to attempt it in a live recital. It's nearly impossible to bring off. I have purchased around 10 recordings of the song, all by famous sopranos, and all except one -- Elly Ameling's triumph on this CD -- have notable shortcomings in one or another of the three phases of the song. When I listen in awe to Ameling's glorious version, I sometimes imagine that Schubert, who died at far too young an age, has been granted a "second visit" to earth, and that he appears in the modern age, just there, on the sidewalk in front of my house. I run out and accost him on the street. "Mr. Schubert, there is something you must come to hear IMMEDIATELY. A soprano named Elly Ameling finally mastered every note and nuance of that (almost) impossible song!"
If that's not enough, many of Ameling's performances of the other included songs are as fine as any you are ever likely to hear. To my ear, this is the best soprano Lieder recital among the hundreds that I've purchased on vinyl or CD. Finally, it would be shameful not to highlight the magical accompaniment of pianist Jorg Demus.
March 6, 2008| | | One of my favorite recordings ever | |
Elly Ameling is in glorious voice, and Demus's instrument here is fortepiano, which suits the music exquisitely. Der Hirt auf dem Felsen alone is worth the price, but all the Schubert and Schumann songs are well chosen. I'm so happy that this 1965 performance is available on CD.
June 7, 2007I also owned this on vinyl and have wonderful memories of this perfect blend of voice, clarinet and piano. Truly haunting melodies and the greatest musical integrity. Can't wait to get this one next month!
March 21, 2007| | | Truthful & Sincere Singing | |
Ameling's reading of Schumann and Schubert Lieder is sincere and noble, at times even awe-inspiring. There's always something genuinely beautiful, a sense of respect for music itself, when she sings with her etherial yet warm voice.
The sublimity of "Mein schonster Stern" only makes this CD worth purchasing. Her Schumann recordings are so scarce now that it is joy to find 19 Schumann Lieder both well known and obscure gems on this disc. Accompanied by an original master piano of Schubert's days. Recorded in 1965/67.
November 24, 2006What a gorgeous voice! It's a true delight to listen to this set.
November 10, 2006More reviews at Amazon.com ...
