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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Magnificent. Aug 05, 2008
Jessye Norman is one of the greatest soprano voices I have ever heard, live and recorded. In this recording of mostly early Berg songs, she has never sounded better to my ears -- this is a recording that can only happen with a great artist at the apex of her art. Her interpretations are suitably romantic and she enjoys Berg's recollection of Brahms and Schumann in his early songs as well as her supremely text-appropriate colorations of Berg's color-melody in the later, 'Berg-ian' Altenberg-Lieder. Norman's sound is rounded and rich and the orchestra's bright colors (particularly in the Altenberg-Lieder) is its perfect compliment. Ann Schein is a wonderful accompanist. The tempi are suitably luxurious and tend to be rather free, allowing Norman an ease that give each song a heartfelt, even ecstatic spontenaity. At times, it's as if she is singing directly to me.
Highly recommended.
3 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Wonderful SHORT disc Jul 06, 2002
As always, I wonder why Recording Companies insult buyers by throwing us 44 minute discs - like crumbs to a dog - especially when presenting a wonderful artist in repertoire she does exceptionally well, better in fact than in just about any rival recording. Why not give as the cantata "Der Wein" as well, and at least shove this issue into the low 50's or a chunk of Schoenberg or Zemlinsky, or Mahler, whose music echoes through the best of Berg. As for the performance, I have not heard any of these songs sung with more opulence, beauty of line and tone and a sense of "generosity". Avoid Popp's "7Early songs" like the plague, and even Bonney does not thrill me half as much. Von Otter is wonderful and a great artist, but Norman just has the edge for luxuriant sound and effortless colouration, quite giving the lie to the idea of this music being overly cerebral. Pity the disclength is so ungenerous.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Who's affraid of Alban Berg? Mar 20, 2000
The fact that its Jessye Norman performing these songs is not the only reason why I think this is a great record. I think this record gives you a great view on the evolution of Alban Berg as a composer. The three different sets of songs belong to a different period in his life: the early songs are still truely romantic, the "Seven early songs" show a composer searching for new ways of expression and the Altenberg-lieder show him using a totally new and different soundscape. I think Jessye Norman is the perfect singer for these songs, the early 20th century repertoire suits her perfectly (she has made beautiful recordings of works of Arnold Shönberg as well). It's just a pity that these last years she seems to focus on singing Christmas carols and other easy listening music.
3 of 24 found the following review helpful:
Wondrous, as usual for Jessye Dec 28, 1999
I am not a fan of this type of music, and in truth have to be in the mood to even sit through it. That is, usually. I have other recordings of these works by other singer, and though they are fine, they never impressed me. When I found the recording with Jessye Norman ( and mostly because I love her voice immeasurably ), I decided to give them another chance. I was not disappointed! Norman's wondrous voice actually gives you the impression you are listening to great music. She gives it a warmth, and an aura that is unbelievable. This music is not great music and will never be in the class of Beethoven or even Verdi or Puccini, nor even Schubert, however, when sung by a truly great voice ( and not the mediocre ones that usually sing it )it does truly sore. If you wish to be introduced to Berg, this is by far the best recording to start with. You may even come to love his music and have the courage to try out some other things he composed.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Tender and lovely Sep 19, 1999
Alban Berg and "tender and lovely"? Not the usual association one makes...at least I didn't. Berg writes aching and delicious melodies to his bittersweet text selections and Ms. Norman delivers them memorably. A winner of a CD, and I am sure one that has not gotten its due.
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