German Romantic song filled the entire programme at this week's Wednesday lunchtime concert in Marama Hall, and included some of the best known and loved lieder from the great 19th century songwriters.
Performing were soprano Goeknil Meryem Biner and pianist Tom McGrath, both Dunedin based.
Fluency in German gives this singer an advantage, in that her interpretation and "story-telling" is natural and believable.
The 45-minute recital was delivered from memory, with confidence, charming sincerity and stage ambience.
Auf Flugeln des Gesanges Op.34.2 (Heine), possibly the best-known of Mendelssohn's many songs, opened the programme. A printout of the English translation of all texts added fuller appreciation to the lines.
Four songs by Schumann were beautifully presented. Written at a time when Schumann was desperately in love with his Clara (against her father's wishes), the music expresses great devotion, with texts out-pouring desire and the pain of love and longing.
Widmung Op.25.1 (Ruckert), with lines such as "You are my soul, you are my heart", is again a very popular song in this genre.
Brahms, another of the great Romantic composers, was represented by four songs, but for me the highlight came in the final bracket, written by a lesser known composer Hans Pfitzner (1869-1949).
His Unter der Linden Op.24.1, with text by von der Vogelweide, reminisces on lovers among flowers under a tree.
The delivery from both performers was stunning. Deep passionate tones and dramatic highlights conveyed the intense feeling of youthful memories in a meadow on a summer day, maintaining the nostalgic mood till the last notes of a long expressive piano postlude died away.
- Elizabeth Bouman
