Robin Tritschler - Brahms: The Complete Songs, Vol. 9 (2020)

The cycle of Brahms songs appearing on Hyperion in the late 2010s and early 2020s is unique in its concept: the albums have a common accompanist, Graham Johnson, but different singers. Johnson chooses the programs, matches singers to them, and contributes detailed booklet notes (worth the CD price on their own). The songs on each volume are chronologically arranged. This ninth volume is an excellent example, featuring tenor Robin Tritschler with some duo parts from soprano Harriet Burns, the star of volume eight. Youthful tenor Tritschler has a perfect voice for these songs, which eschew the deeper complexities of which Brahms was capable in the lied form in favor of limpid melody and direct, although not unsubtle, expression. Each album has one or more of the famous Brahms songs, and here it's Feldeinsamkeit, Op. 86, No. 2, intelligently paired with the related, and nearly contemporaneous, In Waldeinsamkeit, Op. 85, No. 6. Tritschler brings a joyous sense of wonder to these songs of the natural world. Johnson is also working his way through selections from the 49 Deutsche Volkslieder, for which Tritschler again makes an ideal interpreter. A fine entry in Hyperion's series, and a good place to start with it for those who are late to the party.