Overview
Jan de Gaetani's consummate skills and uncommon restraint hold her in good stead in this landmark performance of Schoenberg's Pierrot lunaire. In keeping with the composer's wishes, de Gaetani maintains an ambiguous tone throughout, rendering the "Sprechstimme" in a detached manner that is unsettling and occasionally chilling. Her voice is compelling and almost poignant in the quiet songs, such as "Eine blasse Wäscherin" and "Der kranke Mond," but is more theatrical and disturbing in the sardonic "Raub" and "Gemeinheit." The Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, led by Arthur Weisberg, studied Pierrot lunaire for several years before making this recording. Their diligence paid off, for their playing eschews expressionist mannerisms and is carefully shaded and fresh. Schoenberg's The Book of the Hanging Gardens gives de Gaetani a chance to show a different side of her singing, one that is as human and passionate as Pierrot's vocal part is alien. Though ideally suited to a male voice, this brooding cycle is still effective when sung by a mezzo soprano. Gilbert Kalish, de Gaetani's collaborator for 30 years, provides a supple and sympathetic accompaniment. The analog tapes of the original 1970 recording have not been remastered, but the sound is clean enough to bear exposure on disc. ~ Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide