Amazon.co.uk Review
Although Johannes Brahms' style of composition was determined by his fondness for Viennese music, there is an undeniably romantic component to his work. Brahms (1833-97) is remembered chiefly for his four masterful symphonies and choral works, but the composer was also a prolific writer of heartfelt lieder (204 in all). This collection offers the first three sets of Brahms' songs, all written in Hamburg from 1851-53. The recital begins with "Liebestreu" (Op. 3, No. 1) a passionate evocation of unrequited love and an example of the composer's preference for theme-motif concentration and strophic form. Despite her relative youth, soprano Juliane Banse's reading suggests a lifetime of experience and interpretation. The texts were chosen more for atmosphere than any innate literary quality, but Banse elevates the wordplay through her exquisitely judged solos--consider the affectionate cantabile of "Liebe und Fruhling II" (Op. 3, No. 3), the grave mood of "Treue Liebe" (Op. 7, No. 1), or the dramatic fervour projected in "Treuung" (Op. 14, No. 5). Another major highlight is the canonic interplay between Banse and pianist Helmut Deutsch--a perceptive partner throughout--in "Liebe und Fruhling I" (Op. 3, No. 2). Baritone Andreas Schmidt perfects the contours of Brahms' lines through sustained legato ("In der Fremde", Op. 3 No. 5), sensitive enunciation ("Der Furling", Op. 6 No. 2) and occasional forays into darker hues ("Parole", Op. 7 No. 2). A sense of occasion is created by all three artists, who understand the importance of nuance and stylistic finesse. The disc is generously documented, with notes, original texts, and English translations rounding out a completely satisfying presentation.
--Kevin Mulhall