Ian Bostridge sings Winterreise
March 22, 2010
* Notes *
Tenor Ian Bostridge is currently finishing a US recital tour with pianist Julius Drake. As part of this, Bostridge sang Schubert's Winterreise in Berkeley last Sunday, and it was clear he has a fine rapport with his accompanist. Both Bostridge and Drake were quite intent on the work at hand, rapt even, and there was an almost alarming intensity to their performance. Bostridge's evocative voice has heft and resonance throughout his range. One never doubted his commitment to both the Schubert's song cycle nor his translucent interpretation of it. Drake's dramatic playing was never dull, but he never failed to support the singer either.
* Tattling *
One could not help notice that some ticket holders attending the Sunday matinée might have been put off by the seriousness of the performance, not to mention the lack of intermission. I was also surprised that an usher was assigned tickets in the middle of the row I was seated in, and she actually spoke during the music to try to get to her spot. The person at the end of the row refused to get up for her, and she was forced to take a more accessible empty seat.