Schumann's secular cantata, 'Das Paradies und die Peri,'
is based on a poem from Thomas Moore's collection, 'Lalla Rookh'. The
Peri of the title, a demi-goddess, attempts to enter Heaven but is only
allowed in on her third attempt, when the tears of a repentant sinner
gain her entrance. Premiered in the Gewandhaus in December 1843 and
conducted by the composer, it was (deservedly) a success. This 1973
recording presents a fine case for this piece. The recording is warm
yet detailed.
No allowances need to be made for the Düsseldorf
Symphony Orchestra, a 'second league' German orchestra. The strings
phrase tenderly, rustic rhythms are captured well (as in No. 18, at
the beginning of Part 3) and there are some lovely woodwind solos. A
pity, then, that while Peri and chorus are appropriately joyful in the
final item (No. 26, 'Freud' ew'ge Freude, mein Werk ist getan'), the
orchestra appears less so.
The Chorus, Chor des Städtischen Musikvereins
zu Düsseldorf, is generally excellent. Strain in the higher voices
shows mainly in the tenors, but nevertheless manifests in the more stretching
soprano passages. However, it is the soloists that make this piece and
with names like Edda Moser, Brigitte Fassbaender and Nicolai Gedda in
the line-up, this is a strong set of singers. Edda Moser displays a
pure voice which can meet Schumann's most expressive demands and she
also attacks high notes cleanly; Nicolai Gedda is tender, musical and
fully alive to the nuances of Schumann's vocal writing. The duet between
the two singers (which ends Part One) is simply magical. Brigitte Fassbaender
is, perhaps predictably, outstanding, and capable of warm, gentle singing
(listen to No. 15, 'Verlassener Jungling', from Part 2). Importantly,
she displays just the right mix of authority and compassion in No. 19,
'Dem Sang von ferne lauschend' (Part 3). Henryk Czyz directs with well-chosen
tempi and a good ear for balance (only at the end of the First Part
does he allow the music to sag).
This is definitely a recommendable set, especially
at the price. Gardiner (on Archiv 457 660-2) provides another notable
interpretation, albeit at a higher price.
The chorus gets its chance to shine in a selection
of Romances and Ballades for mixed chorus. Although they can be on the
stodgy side occasionally, they provide generally well-balanced and committed
performances.
Recommended for 'Peri'.
Colin Clarke