COMPOSERS: Wolf/Strauss
LABELS: Philips
WORKS: Italienisches Liederbuch; Lieder
PERFORMER: Elly Ameling (soprano)Gérard Souzay (baritone)Dalton Baldwin (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: 442 744-2 ADD (1964-69)
Wolf’s Italian Songbook sets Tuscan folk poetry, in a German translation by Paul Heyse; and since roughly half the songs are clearly addressed to a woman, and the remainder to a man, performances of the complete collection are always shared between two singers. Elly Ameling’s and Gérard Souzay’s contributions were actually recorded at different times, and originally issued separately, though you would never guess it. Both sing intelligently and affectingly, though Souzay’s vibrato takes a little getting used to. His Strauss selection mingles familiar items with welcome rarities; but it is a pity that the booklet gives texts in German only. Misha Donat
Wolf/Strauss
Wolf’s Italian Songbook sets Tuscan folk poetry, in a German translation by Paul Heyse; and since roughly half the songs are clearly addressed to a woman, and the remainder to a man, performances of the complete collection are always shared between two singers. Elly Ameling’s and Gérard Souzay’s contributions were actually recorded at different times, and originally issued separately, though you would never guess it. Both sing intelligently and affectingly, though Souzay’s vibrato takes a little getting used to.
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:16 pm