Schubert: Song Cycles - Hermannn Prey

Hermann Prey - Baritone, Helmut Deutsch - Piano, Leonard Hokanson - Piano

Franz Schubert: Die Schone Mullerin, Winterreise, Schwanengesang

Wholenote Discoveries - December 2009
A MUST HAVE: The late Herman Prey, one of the last century’s greatest baritones, singing the three Schubert song cycles, Die Schöne Müllerin, Schwanengesang, and Winterreise on 2 DVDs. Prey was known for his perfect delivery of German art songs including, of course, Schubert. Not only did he have the voice, he was a consummate musician. The living room settings here are ideal and the sound appropriately intimate. How much nicer this is than a concert hall. Bruce Surtees

What can be said about the 'other' baritone master of German Lieder, except that he left us far too soon. Often stuck in the shadow of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Hermann Prey carved out a career that cannot easily be rivaled. Whether it be opera or oratorio, the two singers were always compared to each other, but it was in Lieder that they were actually able to truly distinguish themselves. While Fischer-Dieskau was a more intellectual singer, Prey used a natural approach to the genre, letting it be driven by the emotion of the pieces. This two DVD set is remarkable in that it includes the three major Schubert song cycles, cornerstones of the Lieder genre. Prey interpretations are wonderfully colourful, and in some cases, quite heart-wrenching, but always driven by emotion. Included with this set is a documentary on Prey, as well as his own interview discussing Schbert's Lieder. This is a wonderful gift to any fan of vocalists, and an essential item for Lieder fans!

Price: $53.98

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