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Lorraine Hunt Lieberson
Recital at Ravinia
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, mezzo-soprano; Peter Serkin, piano
Review By Wayne Donnelly
Click here to e-mail reviewer
Two years before her
death from cancer in 2006, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson gave this recital in the
small hall at Ravinia, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The
theme of the program was love — certainly fertile ground. Lieberson's
marvelous range, as both vocalist and interpreter, is showcased beautifully in a
mix of songs and arias from Brahms, Handel, Mozart, Debussy, and lesser-known
composers Harry Thacker Burleigh and Robert E. Telson. Lieberson's vocalism is,
as always with this wonderful singer, is pitch-perfect, and her spirituality and
sensitivity to the texts are most impressive. One is not likely to hear any of
this music sung more movingly.
Adding luster to the occasion was
the contribution of the fine pianist Peter Serkin, whose
work rises above mere accompaniment to true partnership. Countertenor
Drew Minter joins in on a ravishing duet from Handel's Giulio
Cesare.
The beauty of this disc makes me all too acutely
aware of what a tragic loss the music world suffered from this great artist's
early demise. Lovers of great singing owe it to themselves to acquire this
release. As usual with this label, the recorded sound is superb.
Performances:
Enjoyment:
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