Sunday 5 October 2008

Matthias Goerne Shostakovich Michelangelo


Two approaches to Michelangelo (Wolf and Shostakovich) and Goerne's trademark Brahms's Vier Ernste Gesange. Definitely a programme for the dedicated ! He's performed all these before in London and this was a fairly short concert (just over an hour). Beautiful phrasing, such rich gorgeous colours in the singing. I particularly liked the Shostakovich - dignified, true Russian bass yet with the supple muscular agility Goerne's voice can achieve. One of the best known Shostakovich specialists was in the audience, looking very happy. It was nice to return to "core repertoire" again after the two earlier mega profile concerts (Hartmann and Larcher) ! But this was not a programme for the faint hearted. No candyfloss whatsoever !

Incidentally several baritones in this audience. And Goerne slipped into the audience after his set at the Larcher concert. Nice to see singers enjoying non vocal music !

Photo by Annette Boutellier

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