The Morris/Evans/Baker Wunderhorn is wonderful, full of gusto and energy and joy in life. Recording quality or no, it gets to the guts of Mahler. It made the Szell equivalent seem glib and superficial.
A very fine review by D McDade. A few notes: this is a more complete Wunderhorn (2 discs, not "Aus Des Knaben Wunderhorn") than typically recorded which reflects its origin as a part of a film score. Commensurately, the approach tends to the languid and lush. Regrettably, the capture of Henschel voice is considerably richer in sound than DH in recital.
The Wyn Morris has the (unmentioned) advantage of variety (two legendary soloists), and a determined energy (even roughness in the male songs) that is an antidote to the incipient schmaltz of the original verse. A memorable capture of Sir Geraint's magnificent voice and the incomparable Dame Janet. I'm very pleased with the recording, too. Art is timeless, but the recordings themselves exist in a space of their own time.
The plushy modern recording captures less of the fantastical grittiness of the Mahler/von Arnim/Brentano and I concur completely with your admiration of the Morris/Baker/Evans classic. Thanks for your review.
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