About this Artist

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Editorial Reviews

Barbara Bonney's light and pure voice is perfectly suited to the art song, and her collection of Franz Schubert's most popular lieder demonstrates how she shines in such intimate and expressive music. This recital with pianist Geoffrey Parsons and guest clarinetist Sharon Kam in "Der Hirt auf dem Felsen" shows Bonney to best advantage, especially in the evergreen "Ellens Gesang III, Ave Maria"; the playful "Heidenröslein"; and the sparkling "Die Forelle," melodious songs that most classical listeners will recognize immediately and that provide immediate access to Schubert's style and Bonney's talents. The program is well balanced between bright, tuneful songs and more brooding selections, and Bonney skillfully adjusts her expression and tone throughout, so the interpretation of each song rings true and never seems contrived or for show. Bonney may not have the weight and richness of voice to give these songs a fully dramatic treatment, but her lyrical gifts more than make up for any perceived deficiency in emotional or psychological depth, and her control of line is so sure, effortless, and lovely that probing for deeper meanings can be left to singers who have less radiantly beautiful voices. This 2007 Warner reissue in the Maestro series presents the same material as the 1994 Teldec release, though with a reordering of "Im Abendrot" from track 14 to track 12. Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

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