Leif Ove Andsnes and Ian Bostridge.(Sound Recording Review)

Texts and translations. EMI Classics 57509

This disc, part of an ongoing series of Schubert recordings by pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and tenor Ian Bostridge, kicks off with Andsnes's fascinating, virtuoso performance of the D-major sonata. The imperious opening allegro is shapely mad commanding. The central, lengthy second movement is even more so: lyrical and observant of the con moto marking, while underscoring it with a beautiful legato line, Andsnes's playing shapes the inner voices as clearly as the singing melody lines. The piano is also stunningly recorded and beautifully balanced between treble and bass. (Thanks should be given to Peter Salisbury, listed as the piano supplier and deliverer.) Schubert's understanding of pianistic variety has never been more apparent than in the hands of this remarkable artist.

The pianist's sheer bravura in light and dark shading and his clarity through all the piano's registers show up the weaknesses of the tenor's work in the songs. Bostridge's voice sounds unbalanced, with many overly bright, punched-out upper notes and rather weak, unresonant lower ones. The tenor sounds especially strident in the bigger songs, such as "Auf der Brucke" and "Im Walde." His command of his instrument at sotto voce reaps more attractive rewards in the gentler moments. For instance, the way he illustrates the "eternal murmuring of gentle ...