COMPOSERS: Dvorak
LABELS: Supraphon
WORKS: Biblical Songs, Op. 99; Gypsy Songs, Op. 55; Evening Songs, Op. 3; Love Songs, Op. 83
PERFORMER: Vera Soukupová (contralto), Jindrich Jindrák (baritone), Beno Blachut (tenor), Ivan Moravec, Alfred Holecek, Ferdinand Pohlreich (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: SU 0206-2 AAD (1967-72)
Dvorák was a prolific composer of songs. This collection of vintage recordings offers a fine conspectus of his lyrical genius when working in this genre and brings together three legends of Czech vocal music. Blachut was not in his prime when he made these recordings, but his performances have ardour and insight, while Jindrák is splendid in the robustly melodious Gypsy Songs. Vera Soukupová’s singing of the Biblical Songs, however, is the reason for buying this CD; she is simply and definitively superb. Her phrasing, radiant sincerity and beauty of tone make these lovely songs, which can often seem naive, a supremely moving experience. Jan Smaczny
Dvorak: Biblical Songs, Op. 99; Gypsy Songs, Op. 55; Evening Songs, Op. 3; Love Songs, Op. 83
Dvorák was a prolific composer of songs. This collection of vintage recordings offers a fine conspectus of his lyrical genius when working in this genre and brings together three legends of Czech vocal music. Blachut was not in his prime when he made these recordings, but his performances have ardour and insight, while Jindrák is splendid in the robustly melodious Gypsy Songs. Vera Soukupová’s singing of the Biblical Songs, however, is the reason for buying this CD; she is simply and definitively superb.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:09 pm