Schwanengesang

December 2022
Schwanengesang, a collection of Franz Schubert’s last 14 songs, finds its perfect interpreters in the exceptional baritone Andrè Schuen and the accomplished pianist Daniel Heide. This is Schuen’s second Schubert album in a row, following his reading of the Die schöne Müllerin cycle, and it is evident that he is rapidly establishing himself as a Schubert specialist.

The album opens with ‘Liebesbotschaft,’ where Schuen’s voice beautifully captures the bubbling brook and the emotions of a young man who once fell in love with the Miller’s daughter. Moving on, the mood takes a darker turn in ‘Kriegers Ahnung,’ with Schuen’s introspective rendition and Heide’s piano subtly adding depth to the last verse, leaving a poignant piano note lingering in the air.

One of the strengths of this album lies in its freer structure, as Schwanengesang was posthumously assembled by a publisher, allowing Schuen’s voice to shine and fully express the pure beauty of his singing. It is evident that Schuen drew inspiration from listening to Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau’s recording of this cycle during his youth. While he may not have Fischer-Dieskau’s gift for unexpected psychological insights, Schuen’s performance in the lengthy and sparse ‘Der Doppelgänger’ is impressive, showcasing his vocal control and emotional intensity. Even in familiar melodies like ‘Ständchen,’ Schuen successfully injects expressive spaces that resonate with the listener.

The collaboration between Andrè Schuen and Daniel Heide is nothing short of remarkable, and their partnership seems endlessly productive, akin to the legendary pairing of Fischer-Dieskau with Gerald Moore. Heide’s sensitive and skillful accompaniment perfectly complements Schuen’s vocal artistry, creating a captivating musical experience.

As the album progresses into the Heine settings, Schubert’s protean approach to songwriting comes to the fore. From straightforwardly strophic styles reminiscent of Beethoven to through-composed pieces hinting at the future of German lieder, Schubert’s versatility is masterfully brought to life by Schuen and Heide.

A notable highlight is the haunting ‘Der Doppelgänger,’ where Schuen’s empathetic interpretation evokes deep emotional anxiety as the poet/singer confronts his own reflection. The chilling sequence of slow-moving chords in the piano further intensifies the sense of unease and introspection.

Andrè Schuen and Daniel Heide’s rendition of Schwanengesang is a deeply moving and captivating musical journey. Schuen’s distinct vocal charm and Heide’s brilliant accompaniment paint a vivid picture of Schubert’s final songs, touching upon themes of lost love and introspection. While paying homage to the great interpretations of the past, these young artists bring their unique sensibilities to the music, promising an exciting future for Schubert’s lieder repertoire. This album is an exceptional offering from Andrè Schuen, a singer who is undoubtedly one to watch in the world of classical music.