Earth Song (piano version)

In the pamphlet, Peter Gülke argues about the relationship between fullness and substance between equally sophisticated piano settings and orchestral versions of Gustav Mahler’s songs. In the case of “Lied von der Erde,” Gerold Hooper brings out the linear movement of the piano part with simple exotics in dense synergy with the two exceptional voices. But he also shows by his reading, which rarely rises to a second sensual activity, that Christian Gerhaier’s skillfully speaking, reserved and therefore somewhat dry Piotr Picza have reached the second half of their career. Mahler’s delicate palette is actually more varied than heard here. You can clearly hear the rows of open shapes. The game of atmosphere, colouring, reflection and concentration, usually impressive with the orchestra, remains a very subtle nuance.

Mahler: Song of the Earth (piano version)

Piotr Bicza (tenor), Christian Gerherr (baritone), Gerold Huber (piano)
sony classic

Christian Gehrher

Christian Gehrhair is one of the world’s most famous librettist and concert singers, who has earned his excellent reputation primarily as an outstanding interpreter of Schubert and Schumann song cycles. Gerherr was born in 1969 in Straubing, Lower Bavaria. His lyrical studies … continue

Jerrold Hooper

You have to be able to play the words – This wonderful feature about the profession of song accompaniment applies very well to Gerold Hooper. He is distinguished by sympathy and tremendous technical proficiency in playing the piano. Jerrold Hooper, who in 1969 … more

Pyotr Piczala

Discipline and a sense of responsibility characterize the way Polish tenor Piotr Beczała works. He believes that appearances resembling divas are no longer appropriate in the field of opera. He was born in 1966 to the son of a seamstress and textile worker in …more