Schubert: Complete Lieder, Vol.27

This recording was probably the first most people heard by this singer - I did not hear him myself until fairly recently, hence this late review - but anyone seeking an example of some of the finest singing around today should have no hesitation in buying this disc, by a young baritone who is that rarity - a much-hyped performer and recording artist who actually exceeds one's expectations - whose art is truly serious, deeply involving and whose singing is actually capable of making you feel glad and proud to be around at this time.

Nothing on this disc is done with less than total commitment and beauty of tone, but to select a few highlights - "Lob der Tränen" is sung with powerful ease, a fluid legato line, wonderful diction and a real sense of drama - "Ach, erfüllt es je das Herz?" is breathed with real longing and that feeling of strength in reserve which typifies Goerne's art. "Sprache der Liebe" displays buoyantly rhythmic singing - the voice is ideal for this somewhat erotic little song - his seductive tone at "liebe denkt in süssen tönen" is perfect for what Johnson refers to, delicately, as a "final delighted shudder."

"Die Sterne" is an astonishing piece of singing, of this most difficult of songs with its long, long lines. Just try holding your breath for as long as it takes to sing some of them, never mind trying to produce and shape the words ...yet Goerne never sounds less than utterly beautiful in tone and confident in phrasing. As GJ says, the singer with the breath control needed to execute these phrases seems synonymous with someone who has "seen the light." This song alone is sufficient evidence that Goerne's swift rise to fame is fully deserved and that the praise lavished upon him is justified - I cannot think of a more accomplished performance of any of Schubert's lieder.

"Fülle der Liebe" is a song I first heard by Fischer-Dieskau on his mammoth set of Schubert lieder, when I was very young indeed and inclined to favour rather theatrical performances! Goerne's singing easily equals that of his teacher, although the song is not to everyone's taste - somewhat declamatory in style, very long and extremely intense, it is nevertheless ideal for this singer. AS GJ says, it repays performance by a singer "of great presence," and this one certainly is that. It has a combination of spirituality and passion which is the hallmark not only of some of Schubert's greatest songs but also of Goerne's singing. The narrative is wonderfully varied - powerfully dramatic in "Ein starkes, klares, / Das ewig bleibt" and achingly tender in "Die Todeswünde / Ward nie gestillt." Goerne displays his shimmering high notes in "Ein stern erschien mir..." and his bass - baritone characteristics at the powerfully dramatic close, with its sense of heroic determination - such a song, at once tender and heroic, is perfect for such a voice.