COMPOSERS: Tchaikovsky
LABELS: Decca
WORKS: Songs
PERFORMER: Elisabeth Söderström (soprano) Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: 436 204-2 ADD/DDD (1982/83)
Tchaikovsky’s songs sound deceptively simple. However, these sensitive and imaginative performances highlight their significance as miniature masterpieces. Söderström and Ashkenazy form a magical combination as they respond to the different moods and styles of these songs. Contrast the salon pieces, such as ‘Cuckoo’ with folk-inspired ‘Cradle Song’ or the more sophisticated ‘Whether Day Reigns’. ‘Zemfira’s Song’, where Ashkenazy briefly appears as an actor, is particularly delightful. The recording is clear and resonant. Nicholas Rast
Tchaikovsky: Songs
Tchaikovsky’s songs sound deceptively simple. However, these sensitive and imaginative performances highlight their significance as miniature masterpieces. Söderström and Ashkenazy form a magical combination as they respond to the different moods and styles of these songs. Contrast the salon pieces, such as ‘Cuckoo’ with folk-inspired ‘Cradle Song’ or the more sophisticated ‘Whether Day Reigns’. ‘Zemfira’s Song’, where Ashkenazy briefly appears as an actor, is particularly delightful. The recording is clear and resonant. Nicholas Rast
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm