Being a high, lyric soprano, Christine Schäfers 2006 recording of this baritone/mezzo or lower standard fare is most courageous. Not the least since her interpretation is entirely compelling. Christine Schäfer´s approach to Winterreise is cool, clear and unsentimental applying an an almost vibrato-less tone truly evocative of the cool winter. Not the taditional lyric-emotional tragedy, but the contemporary relevant and insightful portrait of someone, who choses to leave society. Simplistic, naked honesty is perhaps what ultimately makes Christine Schäfer´s rendition so compelling.
Christine Schäfer: Gute nacht (song nr. 1 - audio only):
The bottom line (scale of 1-5, 3=average):
5
Posted on YouTube by hillevifan
Thanks for giving this one a notice. I'd got a bit tired of the Pears and also of the Dietrich way with Winterreise; this one brings it back alive again, and yes you're right, it sounds contemporary kind of.
ReplyDeleteI'll second the thanks for giving this recording some press. It's a very, very different way with the songs - almost ironic, cabaret-like - and it might be my favorite recording of this song-cycle.
ReplyDeleteThis was the recording of choice on CD review this morning. I shall have to buy it.
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