Franz Schubert: Winterreise D. 911
Thomas Meglioranza, baritone; Reiko Uchida, piano (Thomas Meglioranza)
A self-released recording of Schubert’s popular "Winterreise" is a surprise hit from Thomas Meglioranza. An artist in residence at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Mass., with credits at Opera Boston, the singer displays a supple, beautifully polished lyric baritone and musical integrity.
Throughout the "winter journey," Meglioranza stays true to his natural, youthful sound, finding ample expressive range without ever forcing or using breathy affectations that are all too common. His diction is impeccable and pianist Reiko Uchida is equally refined.
Together, they create a fresh and moving vision of lost love and
harsh nature, beginning with the trudging verses of the opening song, in
which they go from stoic to snarling. Their storytelling excels in the
light-dark shifts of "Frühlingstraum." Meglioranza’s detachment as he
observes his "frozen tears" makes him seem slightly — and fittingly —
deranged. You can hear the sorrow in his voice in the exposed "Mein
Herz" refrain in "Auf dem flusse," but he never overdramatizes the
music, maintaining dignity and realism.
— Ronni Reich, The Star Ledger
