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Track(s) taken from CDJ33004

Am Strome, D539

First line:
Ist mir’s doch, als sei mein Leben
composer
March 1817; published in May 1822 as Op 8 No 4
author of text

Philip Langridge (tenor), Graham Johnson (piano)
Recording details: September 1988
Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, Hampstead, London, United Kingdom
Produced by Martin Compton
Engineered by Antony Howell
Release date: December 1989
Total duration: 2 minutes 25 seconds
 

Reviews

‘Performed with wonderful artistry by Langridge and Johnson’ (Gramophone)

‘A constant joy’ (Hi-Fi News)

‘A highly enjoyable disc and an ideal next step for those touched by the magic of Müllerin or Winterreise’ (Opera Now)

‘A wonderful recording … delivered with such style and conviction that you almost feel Schubert is speaking directly to you’ (The Audio Critic, USA)

‘An absorbing hour-and-a-half or more of rich musical experience. This is a wholly exceptional Lieder record which must be a strong contender for an annual award’ (Music and Musicians)
The key is B major, and here we have the water music which prophesies Der Neugierige in Die schöne Müllerin. Schubert must have thought that streams responded well to being addressed in this key, for in both songs he achieves a rare mood of two-way communication between poet and nature. Another similarity is the use of a declamatory and disruptive middle section before the return of the lyrical tune. The pessimism of Mayrhofer's words do not incline Schubert to the minor key; instead he used the 'pathetic' major, beloved of bel canto composers. This gentle, rather Italianate song is not for singers who want to make a splash, but it will suit those who enter into the watery spirit of poem and music, prepared for hidden depths.

from notes by Graham Johnson © 1989

Other albums featuring this work

Schubert: The Complete Songs
CDS44201/4040CDs Boxed set + book (at a special price) — Download only
Schubert: An introduction to The Hyperion Schubert Edition
HYP200Super-budget price sampler — Deleted
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