Florian Boesch - Schumann & Mahler: Lieder - BBC Radio 3 'Record Review'

But we didn’t have time to squeeze in Boesch’s latest recital of Schumann and Mahler lieder so I’ve saved it for this morning as it’s really good. The main thing is Schumann’s Liederkreis Opus 39 and the way he goes from the virile nightly dialogue of “Waldesgesprach” so well characterised to the nocturnal hush and unearthly stillness of “Mondnacht” is extraordinary.

I wonder if Florian Boesch would take those sort of sotto voce risks if he was singing it live. Malcolm Martineau doesn’t miss a trick in Schumann’s piano part either, voicing it beautifully embellishing the little hesitations, subtle dissonances and sophisticated word painting. Susan Youens' notes are expertly helpful with so many insights. It’s a special recital this. Schumann and Mahler Lieder from Boesch and Martineau, intimately recorded for Linn Records.