Michael Schade has one of the most seductively beautiful lyrical tenor voices before the public today, and this recording documents his substantial vocal and interpretive gifts. I can't think of a tenor voice who even resembles him --except possibly Ian Bostridge, who rivals him in interpretive skills but does not possess Schade's timbral warmth. This is a gorgeous recording, showcasing Schade's complete identification with signature songs by Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt, Ravel, Faure, and Strauss. A highlight is the rapturous treatment of Ravel's Greek melodies -- it's nice to hear the songs sung by a male voice with an allure to rival that to be found in the estimable versions by Mady Mesple and, more recently, by Maria Bayo. Malcolm Martineau's accompaniment is, as usual, intelligent and graceful.
