Full flower Schubert lieder - Ian Bostridge with Julius Drake, by BASIL RAMSEY EMI    5 57141 2

The English tenor Ian Bostridge and his excellent accompanist Julius Drake have long proved their quality in lieder, and this partnership on record has nothing but sheer artistry to offer. Over 21 tracks are found most of the subtleties generously sprinkled by Schubert through his incomparable settings of Rückert, Goethe, Mayrhofer and others.

The delicate balance of lieder performance is preserved continuously -- as it should be. Nonetheless this requires the utmost of performers, and activates both the discipline and freedom of artistic partnership. Once beyond the limitations there is the glorious art in full flower [listen -- track 15, 0:00-0:55], and at this level there is little to touch it.

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