Not a representative recording?
tempestec | 09/03/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Poor quality recording--significant background fuzzy static--recording simply sounds old.
The Handel is not so exciting, tempo may be too slow, or simply the performance lacks energy.
The Italian art songs are nice and strong, tone quality ventures into the operatic, but more tastefully than Pavarotti renditions of Italian art song.
Dichterliebe is a very different rendition than the Wunderlich recording I have. Tempos are slow, and some lack energy. Some are uniquely strong however. Definitely very lyric renditions though. Ich Grolle Nicht is as different as possible from the Wunderlich operatic rendition.
The Purcell seems to be the strong point--uniquely energetic and powerful renditions. Has an emotional intensity usually lacking from early Brittish music.
Dvorak is very strong-- very operatic and also very emotionally expressive. Brings the CD to an excellent conclusion, and convincing me to give the CD 4 stars instead of 3.
Probably best for someone who knows the context of this 1967 recording of Vickers.
Joe Gapko, Voice student at UW-Eau Claire"