Dietrich Henschel "Beethoven Lieder".(Sound Recording Review)

* Schafer, piano. Texts and translations. Harmonia Mundi 901801

Dietrich Henschel is an astonishing lieder singer. In song after song on this program, it is difficult to imagine a better approach to realizing Beethoven's intentions in dynamics and timing than Henschel's; he's completely unafraid to put his voice (a perfectly serviceable but not in itself glorious baritone instrument) at the service of the words. For example, at the top of the disc, in Beethoven's incomparable second setting of "An die Hoffnung," Henschel's first utterance, "Ob ein Gott sei?" is sung in a fearful whimper. Moments later he climbs to a thrilling full-voiced high G at the word "Sonne" ("Let him glimpse through his earthly dream ... a sun now so close to him.") This is lieder singing on a pyrotechnical level. Henschers pianist, the fleet-fingered Michael Schafer, possesses the technique and imagination to keep up with his singer. It's a fearsome, fascinating combination.

Henschel delivers a perfectly consistent line, allowing the songs to sound like spoken utterances united with melody. In this way Henschel serves both Beethoven and the music precisely, adhering strictly to the written dynamics and phrases. A crescendo meted out with perfect evenness over the nine ...