Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Walter Olbertz, Arleen Auger :: Schubert: Goethe Lieder

Beautiful performances of interesting repertoire

Barbara Miller | Bellevue, WA United States | 01/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Lieder programs consisting entirely of songs to texts by Goethe are not uncommon. An Amazon search reveals at least half a dozen currently available CD's. This CD specializes by limiting itself to a single composer, Schubert, and within that composer's work it focuses mainly on songs that would be sung by women. Thus, we hear a large selection of Mignon songs from Wilhelm Meister (some texts in more than one setting), several of Gretchen's songs from Faust, and the two Suleika songs, which, strictly speaking, are to texts by a female friend of Goethe's, but which were published with his work. So, while we miss out on some really famous songs like "Erlkonig", "Der Musensohn", and "Wandrers Nachtlied", we do get "Gretchen am Spinnrade". We also get the opportunity to hear two different settings of some of the Mignon texts by the same composer at different stages of his life. So even if you feel that your collection of Goethe Lieder is already well-stocked, this CD is likely to contain new material.As if this weren't enough, these 1976 performances by Arleen Auger are very beautiful. The control and tone quality are excellent through all the registers, and each word is expressed beautifully. According to the CD liner notes (supplied in English, German, and French), Ms. Auger made over 200 recordings during her lifetime, so her voice is likely to be familiar to many. But for those who have not heard her, the light lyric is reminiscent of Elly Ameling in its clarity, particularly in the higher register, but has its own distinctive sound.As on most Berlin Classics recordings, texts for the Lieder are supplied in German only."