Songs: S.genz(Br)vignoles(P)

Beethoven's legacy is based primarily in grand compositions such as the symphony, concerto and piano sonata. The body of work he left behind inspired virtually every composer who followed, and yet, he found the smaller vocal works infinitely more difficult--he dreamed in terms of full orchestra, not solo voice. This is perhaps why Beethoven's songs are so richly textured, bursting with the same bombast he poured into his orchestral works.
Baritone Stephan Genz and pianist Roger Vignoles perform these challenging works admirably. Genz has a powerful voice that always seems capable of that extra effort when called upon. From the gaiety of "Maigesang" to melodrama and introspection of "Klage," Genz and Vignoles capture the essence of Beethoven's remarkably expressive compositions.