Ian Bostridge brought intelligent discernment to his understanding and interpretations of songs by Schubert and Wolf. Coupled with Julius Drake, who complemented with innate pianism, this was lieder performed at the highest level.

Spontaneity and clarity of Schubert's settings of poetry by Goethe were imbued with intimacy, every word and phrase considered. Bostridge's evenly produced voice and extensive palette of vocal colour, allowed Schubert's poetic sensibility to be accomplished insightfully.

Examples of pre-eminent expertise included a most delicate pianissimo for Wenn alles schweigt (When all is silent), fun in simulated trotting by pianist and singer for Ich wollt' ich war ein Pferd (I wish I were a horse), a powerful and dramatic climax in Ganymed and a sublime realisation of the last line in Durch das Labyrinth der Brust (Through the Labyrinth of the heart).

Short concentrated texts by von Eichendorff were used for the Wolf settings we heard. Herein vivid dramas were contained and Bostridge's supreme excellence in conveying pictorial intensity was heard to perfection. The quietude and stillness of Wer auf den Wogen schliefe (Whoever on the waves would sleep) was uncanny; pianist and singer skipped along in Wandern lieb' ich fur mein Leben (Journeying is my life's love); an amazing sotto voce whisper for Tod ist ein rascher Gesell (Death is fleet of foot), and a glorious finish by both artistes for in Paradies einlaufen (sail into Paradise) concluded this superlative recital.

Jill Hopkins