Credits:

Christian Gerhaher,Piotr Beczala

Description:

The Divine Essence of Mahler's "Ode to the Earth" as Expressed by Two Singers and Piano The piano accompaniment version of Mahler's "Ode to the Earth" attracted worldwide attention when it was discovered in 1987, and has been widely discussed since its publication in 1989 as one volume of the Mahler Complete Works. It is considered to have been conceived as an independent work, not as a sketch for an orchestral accompaniment version or a byproduct of a vocal score, and it is a form that requires a more precise and exquisite expressive power, like a song. Gerhaherr's singing, which fully expresses Mahler's "world of song," is characterized by a clarity that beautifully brings out every nuance in each word. This is the second time since the 2008 recording with Kent Nagano and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the first time for the piano accompaniment version. The tenor is Polish-born Piotr Bechawa. In recent years, he has sung mainly dramatic roles, including Wagner's "Lohengrin," and here he sings beautifully and emotionally with a light, beautiful voice. Gerold Huber's piano, which punctuates the musical ideas of the piece, is also a treat to listen to.