This is a great opportunity to hear this genius composer in a different light. There’s no doubt that this excellent album offered by tenor Ian Bostridge and pianist Antonio Pappano will pleasantly surprise, introducing many listeners to this repertoire of leider and folk-song arrangements. It’s obviously reminiscent of Schubert, a master in this field, but it is Beethoven: the genius in the form and in the musical invention, the sonic power, the effective emotion. The voice is fair and graceful and the piano interpretation delicate and assertive, with enough warmth and sensitivity to convey the essence of this very special repertoire. This is therefore an admirable work that deserves to be listened to and listened to again, a real necessity.
