Wilhelm Kienzl: Four Song-Cycles

[Alan Howe]

...forthcoming from Toccata:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9637768--wilhelm-kienzl-four-song-cycles

[Alan Howe]

...but the tenor's terrible - unsteady and strained. If this repertoire is to make any headway, it must be sung better than this. Oh dear.

[Justin]

What do you think of the actual music, Alan?

[Alan Howe]

Very melodious and attractive - but this is no good for repeated listening. The tenor's an inspurable obstacle, for me at least. I suppose it's hard to find really good vocalists to record this sort of repertoire.

[Gareth Vaughan]

I do so agree, Alan. I remember being delighted when Toccata issued a CD of songs by Amy Woodforde-Finden, many years ago, then bitterly disappointed when it arrived and I discovered how quite shockingly badly they were performed. I simply couldn't listen to it and gave the CD to charity. A completely lost opportunity. Hearing it produced only frustration, anguish and headache!

[Alan Howe]

The desire to explore and record this sort of repertoire is laudable, but what's the point in employing third-rate singers?