The gorgeous voice of
Christoph Prégardien graces this album of contemporary works by
Wolfgang Rihm, accompanied by the gifted
Siegfried Mauser on piano. It is a most unusual, unique album of 20th and 21st century lieder, where the text has a particular emphasis in the creation of the music (the liner notes go into detail on this point). From the start of the song cycle Ende der Handschrift,
Prégardien's baritone-like tenor shines with its clean, well-placed sound. His diction is excellent: one can hear this in "Nature morte," which is a beautifully moody, introverted piece. "Blaupause" is 20th century music indeed in its character, but it is not so atonal to be inaccessible to the listener. "Traumwald" is incredibly smooth and solid, with little swells that indicate
Prégardien's perfect vocal control.
Siegfried Mauser adapts to the emotion of each piece as is necessary, playing with powerful, spot-on technique in "(Mit der Wiederkehr der Farbe)" or even dramatic bangs in "(Geh Ariel)." This is certainly an interesting song cycle that challenges the listener adequately but is overall accessible. The second cycle, Nebendraußen, is different in character. It is, arguably, the most lied-like, as one can hear in the eponymous song, which sounds rather like a 19th or early 20th century lied. This cycle is more elegant and legato than the previous one, and
Prégardien's solid technique truly shines here, even in slurs up to high notes that are practically perfect. One can hear that this song cycle represents a later stage in the development of the lied, for it maintains many of the elements of the art form while embracing a more current tonality.
Rihm truly sets the text while here and there is a sweetness and expressiveness in "Versteinerung" that once again makes this turn-of-the-millennium work accessible. The third song cycle on this album, Rilke: Vier Gedichte is the shortest at just four songs. Each piano note counts in "Neue Sonne," where the tenor sings with a moving tenderness in his voice. "Ich ging" conjures a somber mood that seems perfectly fitting. Never once does
Prégardien's technique falter, not even when there are leaps or unexpected musical turns. This album will certainly delight those who are seeking a new, refreshing repertoire for the voice. The only regrettable thing is the omission of the texts in the liner notes, so the listener is left to try to understand the words on his or her own.