Christoph Pregardien & Pentaedre - Schubert: Winterreise (Chamber Version) (2008)

Pentaèdre -- the wind quintet whose Così: Un opéra muet, a transcription of selections from Così fan tutte, was one of the most delightful albums of 2007 -- is joined by accordionist Joseph Petric in its release of a chamber version of Winterreise. In this inspired arrangement, the group's oboist Normand Forget expands the colors of a traditional wind quintet by having an oboe d'amore substitute for the oboe, and having the flute, clarinet, and horn double other instruments. In Das Wirtshaus, the instrumentalists hum rather than play, creating a ghostly, evocative choral accompaniment. Including the accordion is a brilliant touch, too, and Forget uses it judiciously, so its distinctive timbre never overwhelms the ensemble. Besides its obvious importance in Der Leiermann, its color conjures up images of an earlier era in Central Europe and reinforces the folk-like populism that underlies Schubert's profound settings. This version is altogether revelatory, highlighting contrapuntal and harmonic subtleties that are more muted on the piano. The recording has a first-rate soloist in tenor Christoph Prégardien, who sings with complete security, tonal warmth, and impassioned expressiveness. Pentaèdre and Joseph Petric perform with restraint and nuanced sensitivity, as full partners with Prégardien, but never drawing attention away from the vocal line. Besides its innovative instrumentation, this version differs from the usual in the ordering of the songs in following that of poet Wilhelm Müller rather than Schubert's. The originality of its conception and the effectiveness of its execution make this a powerful and distinctive Winterreise that should be of strong interest to any lieder fan. -- Stephen Eddins