Mahler: Rückert-Lieder (Kindertotenlieder, 5 Rückert-Lieder, fahrendes Gesellen)

This is a Great Recordings of the 20th Century CD from EMI, including 2 song cycles, a song set, and a glorious repetition of single song song from a second set. The set and one cycle are poems by Rückert, while the other cycle is Mahler's unlove poems. The lyrics are included in Spanish, French, German (original, all), English. I have to say that by far the best translation of the three is the Spanish. It keeps the essence and keeps closer elements to the German. The other two have been worded too freely.
I have to say that it is very seldom that one can find a working of 4 different people so well put together: Rückert, Mahler, Barbirolli, and Baker. It is hard to believe that each worked on its own. On its own time and space, to be empathic with the tone of the lyrics. Alone, of course, until Baker and Barbirolli joined on rehearsals. The booklet's text is very appropriate for this CD (which is something unusual, in my opinion), because the writer gives a 1st person perspective as well as a personal narrative.

Whoever listens to this CD (unless a German expert, of course... oder Deutsche als Muttersprache, aber natürlich) should follow reading the lyrics closely to enjoy this fully.
The last song, which repeats the 2nd set's fifth song, is superbly performed, sublime interpretation by all.

Janet Baker, mezzo-soprano; John Barbirolli conducts the Hallé Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra

CD contents

• Kindertotenlieder, song cycle for voice & piano [or orchestra] (Rückert)
• Rückert Lieder, song collection for voice & piano [or orchestra] (Rückert)
• Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, song cycle for voice & piano [or orchestra] (Mahler lyrics)
• Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen, song for voice & piano [or orchestra] (#5 of 7 Songs by (Rückert) )