It is wonderful to see a collection of Schubert's setting of pietistic poetry by Friedrich Klopstock and Friedrich Matthisson, especially the lesser-known settings like the early Hermann und Thusnelda and the first setting of Der Geistertanz alongside such old favorites as Dem Unendlichen and An Laura. But it is especially wonderful to see them using Bärenreiter's New Schubert Edition, with its many small but felicitous changes based on consultation with original sources. The singers -- soprano
Simone Nold, tenor
Marcus Ullmann, and baritone
Thomas Bauer -- are all young and relatively inexperienced, but they make up for this with fervent dedication. Although some listeners might at first be put off by the small, reserved sound of the fortepiano as the accompanying instrument,
Ulrich Eisenlohr's performances are subtle and sensitive models of the accompanist's art. While listeners are advised to remember the glories of
Graham Johnson's series of Schubert Lieder recordings for Hyperion, along with the treasures of such singers as
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and
Elly Ameling, those listeners who are already familiar with the repertoire will certainly enjoy these discs. Naxos' sound is a wee bit distant, but clean and honest. It should be noted that there are no texts or translations included in Naxos' package.