Sunday Brunch – Arleen Auger sings Brahms

Last Thursday, blogger dehggial at opera, innit? posted a clip of Arleen Auger as Alcina. At the conclusion of that wonderful performance, YouTube (being the great time-sink of the interwebz that it is) offered me another Auger clip. This is from a performance of the Brahms Requiem under the direction of Sergiu Celibidache. 

This has got to be the slowest performance on record. But rather than sounding static, it gave me a sense of being suspended in time. At some points, it almost threatens to go backwards. It's gorgeous. And best of all, soprano Arleen Auger is undaunted by the slow tempo. Kudos also to the chorus and orchestra for keeping the line moving. Exquisite!  

You now have sorrow; 

but I shall see you again 

and your heart shall rejoice 

and your joy no one shall take from you.

Behold me:I have had for a little time toil and torment, 

and now have found great consolation. 

I will console you, 

as one is consoled by his mother.

Bernarda Fink Sings Brahms: die Mainacht

I have been a fan of Bernarda Fink's Bach and Handel for a while now; and I have been exploring Lieder of Schumann and Schubert lately. 

OK, those things don't really connect, except they do now. I came across this recording of Brahms Lieder by Frau Fink, and I am enthralled. 

Although I know the symphonies, major choral works, and a lot of piano music by Brahms, I don't know many of his Lieder, (except, of course, Vergebliches Staendchen, and the Weigenlied.) Lots of Lieder texts are about the month of May and/or night; this one is my new favorite (audio player and text are below the jump):

Sunday Brunch – Gerhaher sings Brahms

Christian Gerhaher is so intense. His performance here is infused with intensity, determination, and pathos. His aria is not just a plea, or a prayer; it’s almost a demand. This is from the same performance as the Christine Schäfer clip I posted two weeks ago.

Sunday Brunch – Christine Schäfer sings Brahms

Christine Schäfer's skills as an interpreter of Lieder shine in this beautiful aria from Brahms' German Requiem. It's said Brahms composed this movement in memory of his mother. 

Gratuitous Friday – David Bižić Sings Brahms and Mozart

One of the standout young singers in the La Boheme we saw from ROH is Serbian bass-baritonehunk David Bižić as Schaunard, the only one of the boys who’s actually making any money. Research reveals that Mr. Bižić is one year younger than the ROH Boheme production, and so far he has sung mainly in Israel and France. In 2007 he won second prize at Domingo’s Operalia competition. Today we get double gratuitousness—one clip is audio only and the other is a full-on video.

Saturday Night Special – Dorothea Röschmann sings Brahms

Found treasure:
I had no idea I owned this recording. I discovered it when I was searching online for Die Röschmann's recording of Strauss' Four Last Songs. Much to my surprise, up popped this German Requiem reference.  And I thought, "I have that recording!" 

I hope you enjoy this gorgeous bit of Brahms as much as I do.