Schumann: Schön Hedwig Op. 106

“In this cycle of dusk and shadows there are two or three songs that always seem to elude a bright, lyric soprano; and for all her beauty of voice and care for phrasing, Royal doesn't quite catch the fear and eeriness of 'Zwielicht' (which here sounds merely melancholy) or the sudden sense of isolation and dread at the end of 'Im Walde'. Other singers, too, have made 'Waldesgespräch' more scary, though Royal does touchingly suggest a human sadness in the spooky woodland drama.
But these are minor quibbles. Abetted by Johnson's ever-sentient keyboard-playing, Royal reveals a true understanding of Schumann's Innigkeit, whether in the suppressed passion of the opening 'In der Fremde' (the notorious phrase beginning 'Und über mir rauscht' taken effortlessly in a single breath) and 'Die Stille' (where she avoids the trap of ingénue coyness), the exquisite poise of 'Die Mondnacht' or the tremulous excitement and sense of imminent revelation in 'Schöne Fremde'. In the final 'Frühlingsnacht', often rushed off its feet, she and Johnson catch the elusive mix of secretiveness and ecstasy to perfection.
The remainder of the disc is given over to curiosities and rarities. Despite the eloquent declamation of actor Christoph Bantzer, it's hard to work up much enthusiasm for three 'melodramas' which too easily suggest silentmovie music. But there are innocent, Biedermeier delights in assorted duets, sung with bright-eyed eagerness by Felicity Lott and Ann Murray, and in three settings of Emanuel Geibel, beginning with a duet in Schumann's most cosy-comfy vein and ending with a mildly exotic ensemble evoking the gypsy life.
Among a clutch of young singers making cameo appearances, the virginal-toned Lydia Teuscher is true and touching in 'Die Nonne' and in the virtually unknown 'Frühlingsgrüsse', whose shy, halting lyricism is so typical of late Schumann.
Collectors of this revelatory series will need no reminder that Johnson writes about the music as discerningly and eloquently as he plays.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“The prime attraction for many here… Kate Royal in the popular Eichendorff Liederkreis… Royal's pure, pellucid tone, free-soaring top notes… and refined musicianship give constant pleasure.” Gramophone Magazine, January 2008

“most impressive when considered in detail against other versions of these much-recorded works. Eschenbach's accompaniments are superb, consistently imaginative.” Penguin Guide, 2010 edition ***