Schubert: Winterreise (Franz Schubert - Wilhelm Muller)

Album review

Baritone Adrian Eröd's star began to rise in the early years of the 21st century at the Vienna State Opera and he has gone on to an impressive career at Bayreuth and other German houses. His medium-sized voice is full and disciplined, and he is capable of spinning smooth legato lines. This performance of Winterreise doesn't get off to a promising start. "Gute Nacht" is taken at such a speedy clip that the lovesick narrator would seem to be in a hurry to beat it out of town rather than linger longingly outside his beloved's house. Pianist Eduard Kutrowatz's playing in the song is rigid and metronomic and practically without nuance. He ignores or contradicts Schubert's articulations for no apparent interpretive reason, and he changes (or just plays incorrectly) the notes of the brief epilogue, to jarring effect. After that, though, things seem to fall into place, and the performances are far more satisfying. Eröd's interpretations are carefully considered and intelligent, but his passion and vocal power are also evident, especially in explosive and emotionally volatile songs like "Rast" and "Frülingstraum." Overall, his singing, though thoughtful and impassioned, doesn't have that mysterious poetry that can elevate a performance of Winterreise from the very good to the sublime. After his rocky start, Kutrowatz's playing, while still on the reserved side, shows subtlety and responsiveness, and he can cut loose when necessary. Gramola's sound is clean, resonant, and nicely balanced.
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