Lieder

Lieder present a great challenge to any singer because they call for more than mere beauty of tone. They afford intelligent performers who make this genre their own a unique opportunity to render the most subtle nuances of expression in these miniature human dramas, to follow the creative process of setting poetry to music verse by verse, line by line or even word by word. As it is, not all singers - including some great names - have been markedly successful in availing themselves of this opportunity. In Peter Schreier's case, however, it can be taken as fact that he sensed the challenge involved and measured up to it. His exemplary lieder interpretations rest on a slender voice with impeccable intonation and lack of vibrato, which provides the basis for a clear exposition of the words and for a finely honed poetic sense, and on his keen understanding of the vocal gifts at his command, of the possibilities and limitations existing at a given point in his career. Highly personal as they are, his readings enter into the very essence of the works performed, making them part of his own self. The result is an affinity between composer and interpreter that is as amazing as it is moving.