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Editorial Reviews

Schubert's "Der Hirt auf dem Felsen" is the most familiar nineteenth century song for voice, clarinet, and piano. Its evocative clarinet part and its limpid melodies make it one of the most memorable of Schubert's lieder. The use of an obbligato instrument in lieder was a popular convention among a number of Schubert's contemporaries, who wrote songs that included violin, flute, clarinet, or horn. In this recital, in addition to the Schubert, lyric soprano Helen Donath sings a variety of songs that include the clarinet, written by near contemporaries of Schubert's. Donath's voice is ideally suited to this repertoire: pure, sweet, warm, and expressive, with absolute security throughout her range. Clarinetist Dieter Klöcker's velvety, mellow tone blends beautifully with her voice, and pianist Klaus Donath offers a supple and self-effacing accompaniment. The Schubert is a masterpiece in a class by itself, but the other songs are attractive and stand on their own in its company. All were written soon after Schubert's 1828 song and are to varying degrees indebted to him in style and affect. The best-known composer represented here is Louis Spohr, whose "Sechs Deutsche Lieder, Op. 103," are models of folk-like simplicity. Franz Lachner, a friend of Schubert's, wrote two songs for voice, clarinet, and piano, very much under the powerful influence of Schubert's memory, making them engaging, melodious pieces. Johann Wenzeslaus Kalliwoda's lovely "Heimatlied" has an unforced, pastoral lyricism that places it very close to the aesthetic of Schubert's song. The sound in this reissue is clean and warm, with just enough resonance. Stephen Eddins, All Music Guide

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