Gustav Mahler - Ruckert Lieder; Richard Wagner - Wesendonck Lieder, Das Liebesmahl der Apostel

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911)

Rückert Lieder (1901-1902)

Richard WAGNER (1813-1883)

Wesendonck Lieder (1857-1858)

Das Liebesmahl der Apostel (1843)

Yvonne Minton (mezzo-sop) 

Westminster Choir 

London Symphony Orchestra

New York Philharmonic Orchestra

Pierre Boulez

Tracks 1-10 recorded in London, EMI Studios, May 1979.

Tracks 11-16 recorded in New York City, Manhattan Center, October 6, 1975.

Review:

Never less than interesting, the Lieder half of this Boulez Edition special features the personable, text-aware Yvonne Minton and detailed, if sometimes hard-pressed support from Boulez and the LSO. Wagner’s Love Feast of the Apostles is the thing, though: an earlyish work with rich a cappella writing for male chorus and a belated orchestral appearance, Berlioz-like in timing and essence. But the lion’s share of the glory belongs to the Westminster chorus-master. The recording helpfully differentiates the four choral groups and gives them an appropriate up-front intimacy, stepping back for spacious ensembles. Wagner could have wished for nothing better. 

David Nice (BBC Music Magazine)