Lieder & Romances [Import]

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This is a really gorgeous disc featuring some of Old Papa Brahms' most quintessential music.

This kind of choral music is of course a cultural phenomenon closely associated with German-speaking lands. Membership in choral societies was a very popular pasttime in the late-19th and early-20th Centuries.

Brahms and others (notably, Schubert) wrote many pieces for these secular choruses throughout their careers; indeed, they put some of their finest work in some of these gems.

The timbre too of these full choruses is quite unique: by turns both soothing and stimulating.

Lovely Monet cover-art, plus excellent photo Old Papa included.
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If I had to choose my top ten favorite classical composers, Brahms would not make the list (although that might be changing). I know many would disagree with me and I only say that to make a point about this disc. God forbid I would have to choose only 10! My first real focus on him for instance was a recording of his German Requiem and it never took hold of me completely. Mozart's and Verdi's requiems are far more appealing to my taste.

But I sang an English version of "Wondrous Cool Thou Woodland Quiet" (Waldesnacht - op. 62) while in college and it was really a beautiful piece. That was 27 years ago and I can still sing it. So naturally, I decided to seek it out. Overall, the music is very beautiful and soothing. It is secular in that it reminds me very much of the music of the Russian Orthodox church which I grew up with. Brahms clearly was a master of composing choral music and I am growing to appreciate his music more and more. Especially his clarinet sonatas Op. 120 and quintet which I recently discovered.

My criticism of this CD is not of the music itself or the gorgeous choir but rather of the conductor's absolute reluctance to apply greater contrast between pianissimos and crescendos. The volume barely varies. It's sung close to monotone. The diction is superb and the vocals are tight. But come on Man! Give us some dramatic fading and force to contrast and express the emotions in the words. It's in Brahms' notation and it begs for it!

I will keep looking for a Waldesnacht with more expressive feeling.