REGER
30 Lieder.
Frauke May (mezzosoprano)
Bernhard Renzikowski
(piano)
Arte Nova
Classics 74321 75076-2 [61.25]
(PGW)
Crotchet
Sommernacht. Der gute Rat. Aus den Himmelsaugen. Verlassen hab'
ich mein Lieb. Um Mittermacht bluhen die Blumen. Die Glocke des Glucks. Gebet.
Winterahnung. Die Nixe. Gluck Abschied. Stelldichein. Sehnsucht. Morgen.
Kindergeschichte. Der Himmel hat ein Trane geweint. Flieder. Gute Nacht.
Ach Liebster in Gedanken. Am Dorfsee. Mein Traum. Lied eines Madchens. Schmied
Schmerz. Mutter tote Mutter. Friede. Zwei Maschen. Gluckes genug. Darum
Wiegenlied. In der Fruhe.
This prolific composer contributed to most genres, but is best known to us
for rather heavy music for organ and orchestra. Here is a selection of his
songs from all periods, and they deserve to be considered for lieder recital
programmes.
It is a diligent and worthy production, with limitations. The singer has
a basically attractive voice, though it can become a little shrill at times.
There is a fair variety of mood from the solemn and serious to the lighter
and skittish. The accompaniment is satisfactory.
There is no reason for German speakers not to acquire this CD, but others
should hesitate, even though opportunities to hear these songs in UK are
infrequent.
The presentation is fatally flawed by having the words in German only; a
very parochial approach these days. Does the German company Arte Nova want
to keep this composer to themselves?
Three of the songs, Op 35/2, 37/3 and 66/10, have been translated by Emily
Ezust
http://www.recmusic.org/lieder/
Peter Grahame Woolf
