Janet Baker – The Beloved Mezzo (5 CD box set, APE)

Composer: Johannes Brahms, Richard Wagner, Richard Strauss, Edward Elgar, Hector Berlioz, Gustav Mahler, Maurice Ravel, Ernest Chausson
Audio CD
SPARS Code: ADD
Number of Discs: 5 CD box set
Format: APE (image+cue)
Label: EMI Classics
Size: 1.49 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes

CD 01
Brahms: Alto Rhapsody
Wagner: Wesendonck-Lieder
Strauss: Lieder
Elgar: Sea Pictures · The Dream of Gerontius – Softly and gently

CD 02
Berlioz: Les Nuits d’été
Ravel: Shéhérazade
Chausson: Poème de l’amour et de la mer

CD 03
Mahler: Orchestral Songs · Symphony No.2 “Resurrection” – Urlicht

CD 04
Handel, Bach: Arias
Downland, Campion, Purcell, Boyce, Monro, Arne: Songs

CD 05
Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Liszt: Lieder

Janet Baker – A Delight

Dame Janet Baker has been one of my favourite singers (certainly favourite mezzo soprano) ever since I purchased her LP recording some 40 years ago, entitled A Pageant of English Song, 1597-1961.

If you are also a fan,then this five disc set will provide enormous enjoyment.

Music ranges from the Elizabethan composers Dowland and Campion to Purcell, Boyce and Arne (all recorded for the LP) and on to Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Wagner, R Strauss, Ravel, and more. A particular favourite is Elgar’s Sea Pictures (which also appeared on an iconic LP recording, coupled with Elgar’s Cello Concerto, played by Jacqueline Du Pre with Sir John Barbirolli).

Apart from the fine orchestral accompaniments, excellent instrumental accompaniment is provided by Robert Spencer (lute), Martin Isepp (harpsichord), Ambrose Gauntlett (viola da gamba), Douglas Whittaker (flute) and two of the greatest piano accompanists, Gerald Moore and Geoffrey Parsons.

Like the LP, this set now forms a treasured part of my music collection.