Songs by Loewe & Schumann - Auf Einer Burg [Import]

Henk Neven is a Dutch baritone in his early thirties who is apparently well established in Europe and now is introduced to the American audience in this please recording. He is a gentle, handsome young artist who, while he may not be as vocally mature as he will be when time with this repertoire is gained, has all the potential of being a successful lieder singer and probably will do well in opera also. The voice is warm, secure in the middle register but has a bit of lightness in the upper range that indicates a lack of security there. But what is good to note is that he does not have the propensity to over emote or push his voice unwisely. At this point the sound is creamy and rich if perhaps lacking a particular distinction that makes his sound very different from his colleagues. There are good aspects to that as well as some hesitation as to judging his future. The field of baritones is well filled at the moment so Neven will need to take his time and find his way into the upper echelon: it sound as though he will make it if he continues with a good coach.

Interestingly for his debut recording Henk Neven has elected to perform nine ballads by a composer once performed extensively and now seems to be fading form the stage. After this recording there may be a resurgence in interest. That composer is Johann Carl Gottfried Loewe (30 November 1796, Löbejün - 20 April 1869), 'usually called Carl Loewe (sometimes seen as Karl Loewe), was a German composer, baritone singer and conductor. In his lifetime, his songs were well enough known for some to call him the "Schubert of North Germany", and Hugo Wolf came to admire his work. He is less known today, but sometimes his ballads and songs, which amount to over 400, are occasionally performed.' The lyrics and vocal production match well and while Neven does not drive toward the dramatic end of the spectrum, the sensitivity for the music and text is there.

Where Neven shines is in the 'Liederkreiss', opus 39 of Robert Schumann. These he caresses the lines, his enunciation is impeccable, and his dynamic shading is as fine as any other young singer's of this cycle. It simply feels that in time he will grow into a fine career - the essentials are most assuredly there. His very sensitive collaborator for this recital is Hans Eijsackers who pianism is beautifully balanced with Neven's singing. Worth watching this singer mature. And in the meantime this is a very lovely selection of lieder and ballades. Grady Harp, August 11

Henk Neven is awonderful new Lieder singer from Holland.He is of the same caliber as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. This cd is heartily recommended.

› Go to Amazon.com to see both reviews  4.5 out of 5 stars