Julius Drake and tenor Christoph Prégardien gave an all-Schubert recital in Chicago’s Mandel Hall last night in an evening described as one critic as “rare artistry”.
Writing for the Chicago Classical Review, John Y Lawrence writes: “Drake and Prégardien’s finest performances of the afternoon came with “Im Frühling” and “Du bist die Ruh” (respectively). Throughout the concert, Drake was unfailingly energetic in the more extroverted songs, and let soft chords linger in the air in the more introverted ones. But in “Im Frühling,” the textures in Schubert’s accompaniment shift subtly. Drake shaded all of these changes with taste and suppleness. Each was audible, but never obtrusive.
“Du bist die Ruh” was simply ravishing. Gossamer tone from both musicians at the beginning. Then, the build-up in the last stanza grew not only in volume (as it always does), but also in radiance and warmth, until the climactic word “erhellt.” Had all else been lackluster, the concert would have been worth it for that performance alone.”