Liszt’s transcriptions of Schubert Lieder develop the piano part with greater elaboration than Schubert’s originals where naturalism is of the essence. Liszt’s own songs and Lieder reflect the international circles he moved in and the more “modern” times he lived in. As Dubois and RaÎs explain, “Liszt’s ardour and expression resonate with the youthful nature of our duo, just as his music, so demonstrative and accessible, answers the tumult of our troubled times”.
This is demonstrated in Die Loreley, second version, LWS273 (1841), to the poem by Heinrich Heine, and possibly one of the most beautiful Lieder ever written. The structure is dramatic: almost an opera in miniature, the piano evoking the richness of an orchestra. The first motif rises like an overture, the repeat softer, descending as if from some rocky height to the river below. “Ich weiss nicht, was soll es bedeuten” his voice delicately restrained, so the words “Ein M‰rchen aus alten Zeiten”, are infused with a sense of wonder. Near-declamation turns to lyrical warmth. “Die Luft ist k¸hl, und es dunkelt, Und ruhig fliesst der Rhein” the melody dances: the music evoking the flow of the river., complete with sparkling figures and the repeating phrase “Die Loreley”. On the short phrase “Im Abendsonnenschein”, Dubois shapes the dramatic crescendo, expressing the thrill the poet feels as he sees at last the lovely maiden combing her golden hair. The line “Sie k‰mmt es mit goldenem Kamme” is repeated twice, each time with difference emphasis, a pattern that runs through the whole piece. Enchantment turns to horror, as the poet sees the sailor in his boat dashed upon the rocks. Rolling figures in the piano part descend, like engulfing waves. Tristan RaÎs low pedalling exudes menace. After the tumult, an eerie calm. Is this the spirit of the Loreley herself, innocently oblivious to what has been done? The song ends with the line “Die Loreley getan!” repeated, the last taken with tessitura so high that it seems to soar to the skies.
Dubois and RaÎs preceded Die Loreley with Liszt’s Hohe Liebe (LWN18/S307, 850, Uhland), Jugendgl¸ck (LWN61/S323, 1860, Richard Pohl), Liebestraum (LW N18/S298, 1850, Freiligrath), Morgens steh’ ich auf und frage (2nd version, LWN16/S290-2, 1859, Heine), and Es rauschen die Winde (2nd version, LWN33/S294, Rellstab). With Vergiftet sind meine Lieder (LW N29/S289, 1859, Heine), its intensity belied by its compact duration, contrasting with the delicacy of Bist Du (LW N29/S289, 1859, Prince Elim Metscherskey). Die Zelle in Nonnenwirth (4th version, LW N6/S274-2, 1860, Furst von Lichnowsy), is a dramatic scena based on medieval legend. Liszt’s setting lifts it above its maudlin text, and Dubois gives it heroic ring. The very well-known Ein Fichetenbaum steht einsam (1st version, LW N36/S309, 1860, Heine) is followed by Nimm einen Strahl der Sonne (LW N20/S310, 1860, Rellstab), and two settings of Liszt’s friend Hoffmann von Fallersleben, Laflt mich ruhen (LW N55/S314, 1859) and In Liebeslust (LW N55/S314, 1859). Der Fischerknabe (1st version, LW N32/S92-1, 1847) is one of three settings Liszt made of poems from Friedrich von Schiller’s William Tell. Thus, the spirit of full-throated freedom. RaÎs plays the piano line so it evokes “alpine” images – tinkling figures that might be cowbells or pure water in a mountain lake, swelling forth, then precipitately descending. One crescendo after the other in the voice part, posing no problems for a singer like Dubois whose technique is so agile.
Four settings of Victor Hugo : S’il est un charmant gazon (1st version, LW N25/S284-1, 1844),.Enfant, si j’Ètais roi (2nd version, LW N24/S283-2, 1859), Oh! quand je dors (2nd version, LW N11/S282-2, 1859) and Comment disaient-ils (2nd version, LW N12/S276-2, 1859), showing how Liszt was at ease with MÈlodie and with Hugo’s idiom. The last song, in particular, is beautifully balanced, Dubois bringing out its elegant, understated charm.
Liszt’s Three Petrach Sonnets (Trois Sonnets de PÈtrarque) (1st version, LW N14/S270-1, 1846) (S270/1 1842-6) are extremely well known, and here receive superb performances, making this recording a recommendation for admirers of the composer. “E nulla stringo, tutto l’mondo abbracio” sang Dubois. His poise is superb – this is how rubato should properly be used. He breathed into “i sospiri e le lagrime e ‘l desio” so it seemed to well up from deep within. RaÎs sculpted the piano line, as firm as marble. Surprisingly, Liszt only wrote two other songs in Italian. Angiolin dal biondo crin (2nd version, LW N1/S269-2, 1856 Cesare Boccella) is a gentle lullaby for Liszt’s daughter Blandine, then 4 years of age, a little angel with blonde hair. The Marquis de Boccella was a family friend of Liszt and Marie d’Agoult. Thus, the tenderness and intimacy of Dubois’ delivery, RaÎs’ piano like an embrace.
Anne Ozorio
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