The Whole Music Experience

C lassical Matthias Goerne (Baritone) Andreas Haefliger (Piano) Schubert Erlkönig Harmonia Mundi Celebrated baritone Matthias Goerne brings us number 7 of a Schubert series, Erlkönig (title comes from a Goethe poem), a collection of songs set to Romantic Era poetry.  If I had only read the liner notes, I would have assumed that the recording only contains darker material.  The titular song indeed tells a dark supernatural tale but at least on this recording it only has one voice, instead of the original three from Schubert’s time (a man, his son, and a phantom).  However, diverse sentiments from a Scottish warrior bidding farewell to his distant love while on the battlefield ( Norman Love ), and spiritual musings ( By the Lake ) and familial love described in nature-based metaphors ( Sunset ) also appear in the 19 tracks. Goerne’s operatic talent comes through on the seductive Fisherman’s Song (which also resembles Mozart’s mirthful arias)....

Arcanto Quartett w/ Olivier Marron Franz Schubert String Quintet op. 163 Harmonia Mundia When I began listening to classical music for healing purposes several years ago, I heard and read little about Franz Schubert, except for a short radio documentary about Schubert during one of his anniversary years.   I had heard snippets of his work, but only recently did I sit down and listen to an entire composition, String Quintet op. 163 performed by the innovative Arcanto Quartett and musical guest Olivier Marron who rounds out the European quintet.   And since Schubert represents a Romantic Era composer, you will hear little restraint, but bursts of passion alternating with tender moments. I have heard this quartet perform before on previous recordings and I’ve also reviewed cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras’ solo efforts, especially his Vivaldi Cello Concertos (Harmonia Mundi), which I feel fondness.   And similar to some of Vivaldi’s pieces, Schubert’s string...