Hermann Prey Sings Erlkonig
Submitted by a reader, this recording of Hermann Prey singing Erlkonig an 1986 gives a totally different take on the song from the Ann Sofie von Otter performance. Both are with orchestras, but not only are the voices very different, but the orchestration of this version is much more intricate. Listen to the contrast between the two parts in Prey’s performance; he is almost two different people.
This is what makes Schubert’s lieder so great.
Anne Sofie von Otter sings Erlkönig
The sound isn’t great, and it’s a tad out of synch, but this performance with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and Claudio Abbado is intense. I love Ann Sofie’s voice. There’s more in these four minutes than in many symphonies.
What Are Your Favorite Schubert Lieder Recordings?
This site is young, and there aren’t many readers yet, but for the few of you who are reading, you are probably here because you share my love for Schubert’s wonderful lieder. What are your favorite recordings? Who are your favorite singers? I’ll be posting reviews of mine in the coming weeks and months, but it would be interesting to get an idea of what you all like. And it may give me some ideas for singers or recordings that I’m not familiar with.
Feel free to post about your favorites in the comments.
Thomas Quasthoff Sings Auf dem Flusse
Thomas Quasthoff unfortunately announced his retirement from singing early in 2012, because of health reasons. But while he was singing, he was perhaps one of the best interpreters of Schubert since Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. (In fact, Fischer-Dieskau called Quasthoff the greatest living lieder singer in 2007.)
This performance of Auf den Flusse is riveting. In the first verses, Quasthoff sets the scene for what will come. Then, the contrast he gives in the final verse is simply chilling:
Mein Herz, in diesem Bache
Erkennst du nun dein Bild?
Ob’s unter seiner Rinde
Wohl auch so reißend schwillt?
The first two lines are ethereal, then the torrent breaks through and he gives his all in the final lines and the repeats.
Daniel Barenboim is also excellent on piano here.