Janet Baker: ‘Kindertotenlieder’ with Kubelik
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About
Gustav Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder is one of the most intimate and harrowing cycles in the romantic repertoire. Set to the stark, grief-stricken poetry of Friedrich Rückert, the music navigates the complex psychology of bereavement—from the desperate questioning of the opening to the ultimate spiritual transfiguration of the finale. Written during a period of idyllic happiness in Mahler’s own life, the cycle possesses an unsettling, almost prophetic juxtaposition of absolute tragedy and delicate, luminous orchestration.
This recording, made in Vienna in 1971 captures two formidable artists with all the immediacy of a live performance to deliver an interpretation of heightened intensity and pathos. Janet Baker brings all her fabled expressive use of words and vocal colouring, with Rafael Kubelik drawing an intimate, deeply human reaading from the players of his Barian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
A truly great partnership in a deeply moving work.
Contents
Gustav Mahler (1860 – 1911)
Kindertotenlieder
Track 1: Nun will die Sonn’ so hell aufgehn
Track 2: Nun seh’ ich wohl, warum so dunkle Flammen
Track 3: Wenn dein Mütterlein tritt zur Tür herein
Track 4: Oft denk’ ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen
Track 5: In diesem Wetter, in diesem Braus
The recording was made at the concert given in the Konzerthaus in Vienna on June 20 1971.
The recording was donated to Music Preserved by Nigel Simeone.
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