Soprano Barbara Bonney dedicates this evening to lieder of the composers Mozart, Prévin and Strauss and performs a program that extends from the classical period to the present day. Mozart’s “Kleine deutsche Kantate” KV 619 can be heard as an appeal by the composer in our present international political situation, an appeal for tolerance and unity. Desire is the theme that weaves in various aspects through all three parts of the concert. Prévin bases his compositions on contemporary American poetry and with them touches on the wish for recognition as well as the wish for the abolition of inequality between people. Strauss, on the other hand, expresses in his distinctive tone colors the search for peace of mind in nature and in a love that is beyond this world. Barbara Bonney, André Previn und Franz Bartolomay convey all these messages with a fine yet robust down-to-earth artistry. This album is truly an enjoyment to listen to.
