Product Description: The most useful collection of Schubert songs available! Unlike international editions, these new songbooks contain only a few favorite songs from Die Schone Mullerin and Die Wintereisse, rather than the rarely-used entire song cycles; this leaves room for many more wonderful individual songs not normally found in Schubert collections. As in the other volumes in The Vocal Library, each song features introductory notes including information about the composition, the song's biographical context in Schubert's life, early performances and comments about poets. The contents for the High Voice and Low Voice editions are almost the same: the High Voice volume uniquely includes "Der Hirt auf dem Felsen" (with removable clarinet part) and "Auf dem Strom" (with removable horn part); the Low Voice volume uniquely includes "Das Abendrot" and "Romanze." The cover is adorned with a charming 1821 watercolor depicting Schubert and friends at a summer gathering in Atzenbrugg. All songs have been newly edited and researched based on the most current historical material available.
excellent product This vocal library collection features popular songs from the cycles, but doesn't include the rarely performed. It's a great collection to introduce Schubert--it has standard songs and a good mix without purchasing the entire Kagen series.
Wonderfully Produced Book... This is a beautiful edition and well worth buying even without the CD.
Some key points:
English translations for the German poetry are provided *before* each piece. English lyrics are *not* provided under the music.
Each song includes a brief description including original key, where/when/why the song was written/published/performed, and information on the poem.
Music engraving is clean and crisp. Two selections have parts for obligatto instruments. These are included below the vocal line *and* on a separate page.
Paper weight and binding appear to be quite good. This is a large book (1.5 inch spine), so it will be interesting to see how it lasts through the years.
Anything Goes Trivia
Last Kiss
Megaton Man
Trevor
