Schubert: Winterreise (2010)

by Gary Cooper (piano), Peter Harvey (baritone)

British baritone Peter Harvey is primarily a specialist in music of the Baroque, so it's no surprise that he brings the eye and ear of a musician concerned with period performance practice to Winterreise. His approach results in the use of a fortepiano instead of a modern instrument and the restoration of the composer's original key relationships, which are usually altered when the cycle is sung by a baritone rather than a tenor, for which it was written. What makes Harvey's version so outstanding, though, are the quality ... Read More

British baritone Peter Harvey is primarily a specialist in music of the Baroque, so it's no surprise that he brings the eye and ear of a musician concerned with period performance practice to Winterreise. His approach results in the use of a fortepiano instead of a modern instrument and the restoration of the composer's original key relationships, which are usually altered when the cycle is sung by a baritone rather than a tenor, for which it was written. What makes Harvey's version so outstanding, though, are the quality of his voice and the sensitivity of his interpretations. His technique is utterly secure and his velvety tone is regal and clarion, even, natural, and unmannered across his range. Especially impressive is his utterly velvety legato and the exceptional fluidity and suppleness of his phrasing. His expressive compass gives the cycle a searingly poignant emotional arc. The sound of the fortepiano that Gary Cooper uses, which employs a rare non-equal tuning system and has a slightly nasal... Read Less