Kirk McElhearn | A village in the French Alps | 09/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's surprising that, as I write this, there is only one other review. This set may be the most valuable recording of lieder in the history of recorded music. Containing all of Schubert's songs for male voice (there are many others that DFD didn't record, because they are for higher ranges), this set is brilliant, and has a rare homogeneity. Some may say that it's not quite as good as his recordings from the 1960s, and they may be right. But this set has a unity of vision that spans all 21 CDs, from the songs of Schubert's youth to the three great song cycles.
DFD is certainly the golden voice that has left the greatest imprint on lieder singing, and this set should be in every lieder fan's library. While completists will want to also pick up the Complete Songs on Hyperion (on 37 CDs, includes all the songs for female voices, and for multiple voices), but that set, with different singers, lacks the unity of this landmark. Once you have gotten hooked by Fischer-Dieskau's voice, it's hard to turn back. When you understand this music, and fall in love with his voice, you can then go on and explore his other great lieder recordings, of Mahler, Schumann, Brahms, Wolf, and many more."
A Major Document of an Incredible Oeuvre...
Sébastien Melmoth | Hôtel d'Alsace, PARIS | 03/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
".
Of over 600 songs, Fischer-Dieskau and Gerald Moore realized over three-quarters: these are those. Gerald Moore was of course as important to this project as Fischer-Dieskau.
DGG's sound is excellent.
This set is a remarkable document of art.
Combine with The Schubert Song Companion .
."
Unbelievable!
C. Scott Harrison | 10/09/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is my favorite singer. Many would agree. On a personal note, he personally helped me with my Master's Thesis on Busoni's Doktor Faust, back in the 1970s, by which he personally sent me(tho he was busy performing at the Edinburgh Festival at the time!) a lengthy letter stating his opinions and insights on this 20th century masterwork. I am forever grateful and have his letter framed in my office. Now, the Schubert:
I am listening to disc 10 as I write this review. Surely DFD is the most-recorded singer of all time, of any genre! 21 CDs of fabulous music here alone! Surely this wonderful singer bears no comparisons in versatility. There may be warmer or more dramatic voices, but no one sings with more expression then DFD. This is, as others have stated, a recorded document of great historical significance. All lovers of great music and great singing should own this. The price may seem steep at first glance, but count the discs, then count the songs!! And mention should also be made of the redoubtable Gerald Moore, the prince of accompanists. He too is simply amazing! A plus all around. Recorded sound is first-rate. And booklets enclosed, commentaries and complete lyrics are most appreciated.
Thanks to DG for keeping this magnificent collection in print. May it ever remain so."
An amazing achievement
S. Evans | San Francisco, CA | 01/25/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The sound is glorious, the voice in great shape, and what comes through are the beautiful songs of Schubert in all their glory. This set is a sort of gold standard by which Schubert Lieder performances should be judged. Moore is exquisite, adding just the right weight and texture to the various songs, and Fischer-Dieskau brings his amazing insight into each of the songs. The thought that has gone into even the most minor song is what really sets this apart. And there is a perfection to the recorded sound that helps bring the words and music to life. Nothing stands in the way of the text and music. The set comes with complete translations of all the songs, which is a great bounus, although most of the songs and text are easily found online if you wish to follow the score. And two things for completists - this is not every Schubert song, but every song that's appropriate for a male voice, so there are many songs not included here. And on some of the songs, not every verse is sung. Still, those are minor quibbles with what to me stands as a landmark of Lieder recordings in every sense. Get this if you love Schubert, Fischer-Dieskau or the wonderful piano playing of Gerald Moore. A true education!"
Best Recorded Male Lieder Singer Ever?
William R. Hitchens | Silicon Valley, CA | 12/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Along with Richard Fritz Wunderlich, whose voice was totally different but just as wonderful. Oops! I forgot Richard Tauber, another German phenom.
Dietrich and Elly Ameling are the two best "modern era" Schubert lieder singers. It's very interesting to note that, while superb lieder singers, neither had the incredibly powerful voices necessary to sing high opera with the best of opera singers. It's almost like there's a barrier between being a great lieder singer and a great opera singer --- based on the size of the hall for which the music is intended. The only exceptions I can think of are Fritz and Lotte Lehman, both of whom sang lieder with operatic voices but who were wonderful non the less.
I have both the earlier complete DGG recording on vinyl and this later recording on CD. While Dietrich's voice may have been more bright and fresh on the earlier recordings, I consider it to be more mature and far better on this recording, particularly his dark voice and phrasing. Also, he and Gerald Moore knew each other so well for this recording that they sing and play as one person. As an earlier poster said, one can not understate the importance of Gerald Moore in this collaboration.
Buy this immediately if you like Schubert Lieder. I got my copy of 21 discs for only $75 at Amazon's used website. The box was a little chewed up, but the CDs were in superb condition. It was one of the biggest steals in my record collecting history."