Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Gustav Mahler, Robert Schumann :: Lieder: Mahler: from Das Knaben Wunderhorn and the Ruckert songs / Haydn: from Arianna a Naxos / Schumann: from Frauenliebe und -leben

The Very Essence of Collaboration - Sign of a Great Singer

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 10/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"LIEDER RECITAL is one of the finest recordings of the lieder repertoire to be released in a long time, and once again we are indebted to EMI Classics for introducing young singers in recital recordings before their fame on stage up to them! Alice Coote not only is an extraordinary musician and opulent vocalist in the mezzo soprano range, she also here demonstrates the priorities one always hopes are maintained by performers: from the cover listing to the recital selection to the performance, Alice Coote places the composers (Mahler, Haydn, Schumann) first and then shares equally the artist listing with her very accomplished pianist/collaborator Julius Drake. And the intelligence started there pervades this warmly sensitive reading of several beautiful cycles. Mahler is represented by four excerpts from 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn' in which Coote and Drake reveal complete involvement with each song's mood: there are few singers who can match the beauty of this 'Urlicht'. If some of the tempi are a bit slower than usual ('Nicht wiedersehen!), the pieces each work. The Haydn elegant 'Arianna a Naxos' shows Coote very comfortable in the demands of this complex work. Traversing an entire song cycle on a mixed recording takes bravery, but Coote and Drake make the Schumann 'Frauenliebe und-leben' as fresh and beautiful as any on recordings. The well-engineered CD closes with Mahler's glorious 'Ruckertlieder' and again the range and dignity and musicality of Alice Coote is extraordinary. Here is a new mezzo soprano who will doubtless be in the league with Janet Baker (with whom she has studied), Christa Ludwig, Irmgard Seefried, and the others who were equally comfortable on stage as well as in recital. A brilliant addition to anyone's musical library."

Another Great Mezzo Has Arrived

Grady Harp | 06/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alice Coote is British, and if you think she's reserved in the great tradition of British vocalists, think again. This young mezzo is making a splash, singing opera's great trouser roles with passion, commitment, and intensity that is anything but reserved. In fact, Coote can often sound a tad over the top. But I think she's the best in her category since Dame Janet Baker. Baker who could look as British as Queen Elizabeth, was an intense, deeply expressive and musical singer--one of the 20th century's best. Coote, who has studied and coached with Baker, could carry on that tradition.Here in songs by Mahler, Haydn's great scena, ARIANNA and in Schumann's "Frauen liebe und leben," she offers a superbly schooled mezzo soprano of good size with plenty of color and imagination to burn. Some of the singing here is outsized in personality. I love it. Coote is coming to the Met in a year or so to sing Cherubino. I rather hear her as the Komponist or Octavian, and certainly she could be an outstanding Ariodante. Carmen could be in her future. Let's watch her very carefully. This is a special young talent and she could go very far. Highest recommendation."

Alice Coote is an excellent performer!

Mauibluecat | California | 11/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just bought this CD, and admittedly haven't listened to it yet; however, about 3 weeks ago, I was in London, and saw Alice Coote perform in the Opera "Carmen" (she played Carmen). She was exceptional! She has an amazing voice and has a wonderful presence about her. I'm sure she is just as brilliant on this CD."