Dive into the profound and captivating world of Dame Janet Baker with "The Great EMI Recordings - German Lieder: Liszt, Wolf, Mahler, Strauss." This exquisite collection, released on EMI Classics in 2013, showcases the unparalleled artistry of one of the most celebrated mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century. Spanning a generous 3 hours and 8 minutes, this album is a testament to Baker's extraordinary vocal prowess and her deep emotional connection to the German Lieder repertoire.
Featuring compositions by Liszt, Wolf, Mahler, and Strauss, the album is a rich tapestry of operatic and classical masterpieces. From the hauntingly beautiful "Kindertotenlieder" by Mahler to the lyrical elegance of Strauss's "Four Last Songs," each track is a showcase of Baker's technical brilliance and emotional depth. The album also includes lesser-known gems, such as the evocative "Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen" by Mahler and the poignant "Five Rückert-Lieder," offering a comprehensive exploration of the German Lied tradition.
Baker's rendition of "Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen" from Mahler's "Rückert-Lieder" is particularly noteworthy, capturing the essence of the poem's introspective and melancholic tone. Her performance of "Die Lorelei" by Liszt and "Gurrelieder" by Strauss further exemplifies her ability to convey the full range of human emotion through her voice.
This album is not just a collection of songs but a journey through the soul of German classical music. Dame Janet Baker's interpretations are both timeless and timelessly relevant, making this recording a treasure trove for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you are a fan of opera, classical music, or simply appreciate the beauty of the human voice, this album is a must-listen.
(C) 2013 EMI Records LtdThis compilation (P) 2013 EMI Records Ltd
Tracks
Die Lorelei (Heine)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
S'il est un charmant gazon (Hugo)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Du bist wie eine Blume (Heine)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Im Rhein, im schönen Strome (Heine)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Über allen Gipfeln ist Ruh' (Goethe)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Der du von dem Himmel bist (Goethe)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Es war ein König in Thule (Goethe)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Freudvoll und Leidvoll (Goethe)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Die drei Zigeuner (Lenau)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Das Veilchen (Müller)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Die Vätergruft (Uhland)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Die Fischerstochter (Coronini)Geoffrey Parsons, Janet Baker
Spanisches Liederbuch (nach Heyse & Geibel) Geistliche Lieder: No. 9 Herr, was trägt der Boden hier?Gerald Moore, Janet Baker
Lieder und Gesänge: I: Frühlingsmorgen (R. Leander)Gerald Moore, Janet Baker
Lieder und Gesänge Vol. 3: III: Scheiden und Meiden (from Des Knaben Wunderhorn)Gerald Moore, Janet Baker
Kindertotenlieder (Rückert): I. Nun will die Sonn' so hell aufgeh'nHallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Kindertotenlieder (Rückert): II. Nun seh' ich wohl, warum so dunkle FlammenHallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Kindertotenlieder (Rückert): III. Wenn dein Mütterlein, tritt zur Tür hereinHallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Kindertotenlieder (Rückert): IV. Oft denk' ich, sie sind nur augesgangen!Hallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Kindertotenlieder (Rückert): V. In diesem Wetter, in diesem BrausHallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Five Rückert-Lieder: I. Blicke mir nicht in die Lieder!New Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Five Rückert-Lieder: II. Ich atmet' einen linden Duft!New Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Five Rückert-Lieder: III. Um MitternachtNew Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Five Rückert-Lieder: IV. Liebst du um Schönheit (orch. Max Puttmann)New Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Five Rückert-Lieder: V. Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommenNew Philharmonia Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen: I. Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit machtHallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen: II. Ging heut' Morgen übers FeldHallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen: III. Ich hab' ein glühend MesserHallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen: IV. Die zwei blauen AugenHallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommenHallé, Sir John Barbirolli, Janet Baker
Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, 'Resurrection': IV. Urlicht. Sehr feierlich, aber schlichtSir Simon Rattle, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, CBSO Chorus, Janet Baker, Arleen Auger
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