Lieder

"Through this wonderful recital by baritone Dietrich Henschel and his artful, stylish, and totally sympathetic partner Michael Schäfer, we not only can become happily acquainted with Beethoven's underrated but meticulously and caringly crafted songwriting, but also may find ourselves charmed and even moved by a particularly adept word-setting, a sparkling piano figuration, or a simply lovely melody. This recital is a welcome addition to the catalog, providing both an ideal introduction to a lesser-known region of Beethoven's output and another successful outing for one of today's truly outstanding singers."
- ClassicsToday.com (18 Jun 2003)

"a varied and thoroughly enjoyable Beethoven soiree."
-The Daily Telegraph (31 May 2003)

"Henschel possesses a lean, incisive baritone, which he uses here with consistent intelligence and expression."
- Los Angeles Times (22 Jun 2003)

Beethoven wrote of his songs: 'Fine vocalisation was my guide. I concentrated on writing in as easy a style as possible. I hope that, before a judge, I could provide evidence of my good sense and my good taste.' This approach, finally a modest one, brings us an unexpected side to Beethoven, in which his art conceals all traces of toil, and lightness becomes a stylistic requirement.