COMPOSERS: Mahler/Wagner
LABELS: Sony
WORKS: Rückert Lieder; Wesendonck Lieder; Das Liebesmahl der Apostel
PERFORMER: Yvonne Minton (mezzo-sop) Westminster Choir, LSO, New York PO/Pierre Boulez
CATALOGUE NO: SMK 68330 ADD (1978/82)
Never less than interesting, the Lieder half of this Boulez Edition special features the personable, text-aware Yvonne Minton and detailed, if sometimes hard-pressed support from Boulez and the LSO. Wagner’s Love Feast of the Apostles is the thing, though: an earlyish work with rich a cappella writing for male chorus and a belated orchestral appearance, Berlioz-like in timing and essence. But the lion’s share of the glory belongs to the Westminster chorus-master. The recording helpfully differentiates the four choral groups and gives them an appropriate up-front intimacy, stepping back for spacious ensembles. Wagner could have wished for nothing better. David Nice
Mahler/Wagner
Never less than interesting, the Lieder half of this Boulez Edition special features the personable, text-aware Yvonne Minton and detailed, if sometimes hard-pressed support from Boulez and the LSO. Wagner’s Love Feast of the Apostles is the thing, though: an earlyish work with rich a cappella writing for male chorus and a belated orchestral appearance, Berlioz-like in timing and essence. But the lion’s share of the glory belongs to the Westminster chorus-master.
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:39 pm