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Editorial Reviews

These are some of the songs mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirchschlager sings to her young son, Felix, although she admits he never actually falls asleep when she sings them to him. Singing a program of lullabies runs the risk of putting an audience of adults to sleep. Thanks to Kirchschlager's clever choice of repertory, this recital is totally captivating. She dips into Broadway as well as the classics, singing "Not While I'm Around" from Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" and "Edelwiss" from Richard Rodgers's "Sound of Music" in addition to famous cradle songs by Brahms and Schubert, among others. The variety of accompaniments also keeps the ear engaged. Half of these songs feature the gentle piano playing of Roger Vignoles, while the rest are blessed by the incomparable strum of John Williams's guitar. Adding to the mix, several of the songs with piano also have parts for string instruments. The best of these are Brahms's gorgeous "Gestillte Sehnsucht" (Quiet Yearning) and "Geistliches Wiegenlied" (Holy Lullaby), beautifully enhanced by the warm, woody sound of Yuri Bashmet's viola. However, the real reason for the album's success is the singer herself. Kirchschlager's diction -- in several languages, including English -- is impeccable, and her silky smooth voice is as softly soothing as a mother's touch. Andrew Farach-Colton, Barnes & Noble

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