SCHUBERT:LIEDER:O.WIDMER(Br)/J.SCHULTZS(p)

Sensitive but perhaps a bit too ripe, strong but a little too robust, baritone Oliver Widmer is still an admirable singer whose Schubert recital is almost always not quite entirely enjoyable. And even then, its not exactly Widmers fault, although it is certainly his responsibility for bravely programming Schuberts settings of Schillers Die Erwartung and Schuberts Viola, incredibly tedious ballades that go on and on and on. When the repertoire is better, Widmer is more nearly convincing. His Erlkonig is powerfully dramatic until the final hushed line when Widmer slightly over acts. His Der Jungling und der Tod is warmly lyrical, but with just a tad too much vibrato to be persuasive. His Heidenroslein is cheerfully enthusiastic, but a touch too much hearty warmth to be credible. With a bit more restrain, Widmer would be less individual, but perhaps a more convincing singer. He clearly already has the tone, the technique, and a fine accompanist in pianist Jan Schultsz. Berlin Classics sound is rich and full and round.