With this recital Christian Gerhaher confirms his pre-eminence in Lieder, and bids fair to equal or surpass his fellow baritones by dint of his attractively warm, firm tone and his complete understanding of the songs. In Dichterliebe he fully enters into the melancholic, romantic world of the rejected lover, projecting the love and sorrow in a committed yet unexaggerated manner. It's hard to imagine a reading by a voice of his kind that could possibly surpass his inspired performance – and that includes even the legendary Fischer-Dieskau.
He makes as good a case as possible for the SixPoems and Requiem, though it's hard to breathe life into the broken-backed ballad that is DieLöwenbraut. On the other hand, Gerhaher arrestingly enacts the melodrama of Belsatzar, biting consonants to the fore; the sadness of Derarme Peter benefits from the same thoughtful approach as Dichterliebe. Huber supports his partner with finely honed playing. The recording could not be better balanced or more immediate.
This is, in every respect, a winner.

Gerhaher's Dichterliebe sets a new standard for intelligent leider singing. Like Olaf Bar, Gerhaher has an impeccable touch with consonants; singing through them and connecting and shaping the subsequent vowels eloquently. His musicality is evident, but the text is pre-eminent. Gerold Huber's accompaniment is equally rewarding; beautifully pitched, fluid playing. An excellent recital.