Credits:

London Symphony Orchestra

Description:

Rainbert de Leeuw's Swan Song, "Song of the Earth" is here! Pianist and conductor Rainbert de Leeuw died on February 14, 2020, at the age of 81. In this version arranged in 2010, the alto (mezzo-soprano) and tenor solo voices are retained, but the large orchestra is replaced by a 15-member ensemble based on a woodwind quintet and string quartet, with bass instruments, keyboard, harp, and percussion. The ensemble is replaced by a 15-member ensemble based on a woodwind quintet and string quartet. Compared to the famous Schoenberg & Lehn version, the addition of more woodwinds and a harp enriches the expression, and the rearrangement of the percussion instruments gives the piece more perspective and intimacy. The performance is by Het Kollektief, who has collaborated with de Leeuw on "Berg, Zemlinsky Lieder" (ZZT345) and other works. They are skilled interpreters of modern and contemporary music, and their highly active individualism comes alive in their expressions. The singers also responded to this performance with their lively singing, and the "Farewell" by Ricciardo, who sang wonderfully in the Berlioz video software (CVS011/NYDX-50016) with Gardiner recently, was superb, as was De Leeuw's fine nuance, which is hard to believe that he passed away just a few weeks after this recording. The nuance of De Leeuw's voice is also superb. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Lied Von Der Erde~Das Trinklied Vom Jammer Der Erde (The Drinking Song of Earth's Sorrow)
2.Lied Von Der Erde~Der Einsame Im Herbst (The Solitary One In Autumn)
3.Lied Von Der Erde~Von Der Jugend (Of Youth)
4.Lied Von Der Erde~Von Der Schonheit (Of Beauty)
5.Lied Von Der Erde~Der Trunkene Im Fruhling (The Drunkard In Spring)
6.Lied Von Der Erde~Der Abschied (The Farewell)