Prégardien sheds new light on Dichterliebe
The tenor continues to push boundaries in this evocative Schumann showcase, says
C Schumann • R Schumann
C Schumann: Piano Romance; Canon; R Schumann: Dichterliebe Julian Prégardien (tenor), Sandrine Piau (soprano), Eric Le Sage (fortepiano) Alpha Classics ALPHA 457 66:15 mins What an unexpected treat this recital is, although given Julian Prégardien’s earlier experiments with the Lied genre (see his groundbreaking Winterreise), it’s unsurprising that he pushes the boundary. The repertoire is tightly focused – all Robert and Clara Schumann – but includes duets, solo piano works, solo songs and, at the core, a beautiful performance of Schumann’s Dichterliebe, Op. 48 which draws on some small variations that Prégardien discovered in his work on the composer’s sketches, drafts and correspondence. Yes, the puritans will throw their hands up in horror, but there’s plenty of historical justification for Prégardien’s approach. It shows him, together with Eric Le Sage, truly taking ownership of the music as opposed to dutifully rendering it.
The programme reveals a profound knowledge of the repertoire; the transitions are thoughtful and completely convincing in terms of links in poetry, harmony and mood. Prégardien’s voice can sound a touch lean, although he shows power in key moments. Le Sage’s restored 1856 Blüthner is a dream of an instrument, with bell-like clarity, guitar-like timbres in the mid- and upper range, and a warm, deep bass, perfectly allied with his generous pedalling, and an elastic, rhetorical approach to tempo. In particular Clara Schumann’s Romanze No. 2 from her Op. 11 responds beautifully to Le Sage’s sensitive treatment.
The inclusion of Clara Schumann’s charming Canon ‘Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär’ completely suits this loving evocation of private, relaxed music-making. Listeners who know Dichterliebe intimately, and think they know the Schumann’s pretty well, will discover many fresh delights.
PERFORMANCE ★★★★★
RECORDING ★★★★
Hear extracts from this recording and the rest of this month’s choices on the BBC Music Magazine website at www.classical-music.com
Listeners who know Dichterliebe will discover fresh delights