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Original Message

Janet Baker

Posted by Bambi B on April 12, 2008 at 11:08:15:
clarkjohnsen,

The way Janet Baker sings Mahler, one might think she's related to him- at least in spirit. She has that wonderful slightly dark, plaintive - still nible and open with a lot punch- quality. Her recording of "Kindertotenlieder" with Barbirolli and the Halle Orch is my favourite by far and along with Marilyn Horne my favourite mezzo.

I heard Janet Baker a couple of times in London in the 70's, one memorable recital was all baroque with George Malcolm at the harpsichord in a small venue- fantastic. The other was a Britten concert of "The Rescue of Penelope" and at a time when I was dubious- and unknowledgable- of 20th C. music, that one recital gave me an appreciation for Britten.

Besides which, I long thought Mahler was among the best composers for evaluating audio stuff- the scale and broad dynamics with so many players and different timbres really exposes the good and the bad in the gear. Because I know them so well, Mahler's 5th with Solti/ Chicago on LP or Bernstein/NY on CD goes along whenever I listen to any new equipment.

Cheers,

Bambi B