komplette Schubert-Lieder

[JBS]

If I were to go for a complete Schubert lieder set, which is best? The Naxos set or the Hyperion? Or should I be satisfied with what I have...DFD's 22 CD set, Goerne's series, and various versions of the three "big" songcycles?

[Ken B]

I have the Naxos and the DFD and a decent array of other discs. And a frightening number of Winterreises.

1 As a set the Hyperion is better than the Naxos. I say this on the basis of hearing about half of each set. The Naxos is uneven. (I got it a a superb price.) I  have not heard a bad one in the Hyperion set.

2 Olaf Bär rules. Didn't record much though.

3. I kept my eye open for the Hyperion at a good price but in view of having 5he Naxos no longer do. I recall almost pull8ng the trigger at BRO, and I am cheap, so be sure to check them.

[Ken B]

Dammit. Now I want the Hyperion. Damn this CDCDCD is hard to kick.

[JBS]

Olaf has a substantial presence here

Which I can now in theory cull, since the sonics of the Faust there are subpar, and I now have the Hyperion Schumann lieder set...

[San Antone]

Dammit. Now I want the Hyperion. Damn this CDCDCD is hard to kick.

I bought the Hyperion as individual releases, so you can Imagine how much I spent.  I think each CD was around $18 at the time, and there are 36 or 37. So you do the math.  I also bought the Schumann series, but it was only 11, I think.

The Hyperion is excellent and I don't regret the cost one bit.  DFD is also an excellent set, which I also have; I've got his sets of Schubert and Wolf, and Brahms (I think; my CDs are temporarily in storage awaiting an upcoming move). 

The sad thing is, I hardly listen to them.  I need to rectify that when we get all moved in our new cabin.

[Ken B]

I bought the Hyperion as individual releases, so you can Imagine how much I spent.  I think each CD was around $18 at the time, and there are 36 or 37. So you do the math.  I also bought the Schumann series, but it was only 11, I think.

The Hyperion is excellent and I don't regret the cost one bit.  DFD is also an excellent set, which I also have; I've got his sets of Schubert and Wolf, and Brahms (I think; my CDs are temporarily in storage awaiting an upcoming move). 

The sad thing is, I hardly listen to them.  I need to rectify that when we get all moved in our new cabin.

I hardly listen any more either, but in part that is because they were in storage for 10 months. Plus you need to worry about others when you don't live alone.
Yes, those Hyperion discs were pricey. I have most of my small sample from a used store.

[mc ukrneal]

I have the Hyperion. It's really excellent. And with so many singers, I find I can really listen for long stretches. If you prefer a type of voice in the lieder, this may not be an advantage, but despite being one that prefers the male voice in this repertoire, I love the changing voices.  There is only one disc I am not a fan of. That's a remarkable track record for such a large set. I too bought them individually, though some of them were from Berkshire. Speaking of BRO, they are changing their website, but that has been ongoing for 2 weeks now, so no idea when they will be back up. Last time they made a change, they were away for many months. I hope this won't be a repeat.

Considering what you have, you don't need it. It's a question of how much you like what you have and how much you'd like to hear what you don't have. The quality is so good, I have a hard time thinking you'd regret it, especially at the relatively cheap price they sell that set these days. I have several discs from the Naxos set and those I have are quite good. I also have some of DFD, but I rarely listen to them compared to the Hyperion.

If you decide not to get it, I would still recommend getting the last three discs anyway, which are actually lieder from friends and contemporaries of Schubert. I love hearing how different composers set the same songs. One of the best parts of the set for me. I like listening to them back to back to compare them.

[Ken B]

Olaf has a substantial presence here

Which I can now in theory cull, since the sonics of the Faust there are subpar, and I now have the Hyperion Schumann lieder set...

He does. That's why I bought it. There is a 3cd box of his big 3 Schubert cycles, and it's a must have IMO.

[Mirror Image]

Seems like the Hyperion set is winning. The question is "Have you bought it yet, Jeffrey?"

[Ken B]

Seems like the Hyperion set is winning. The question is "Have you bought it yet, Jeffrey?"

Yeah. This thread looks like a man trawling for excuses ...

[Mirror Image]

Yeah. This thread looks like a man trawling for excuses ...

I think we all know he'll get the Hyperion set. It's just a question of an itchy trigger finger now.

[SimonNZ]

If you buy the Hyperion set as a box then you wont have Graham Johnson's extensive notes, which is part of the attraction of the Hyperion set, though many individual discs are also essential performances. Try to find second hand copies of the original single discs with the big fat booklets.

The Naxos discs with a fortepiano accompaniment are by far the most interesting and should be sought first of theirs.

But the ideal collection is a variety of great singers from a variety of ages and labels.

[GioCar]

If you buy the Hyperion set as a box then you wont have Graham Johnson's extensive notes...

Unless you also buy the 3-volume set by the author

[asin]030011267X[/asin]
which is expensive, but for a Schubert's lieder lover, deserves every cent paid.

I found it shortly after it had been issued, at a very interesting price (less than 200 Euro IIRC). A significant "investment" which I have never regretted. 

[SimonNZ]

I actually had that when it came out but had to sell it a year or so ago. Went to a good home at least - a fellow lieder enthusiast.

[Biffo]

Go with what you have. I found it a bit of a slog to get through the Goerne edition. I have plenty to supplement it from Fischer-Dieskau, Ludwig, Baker and others.

[Ken B]

Unless you also buy the 3-volume set by the author

[asin]030011267X[/asin]
which is expensive, but for a Schubert's lieder lover, deserves every cent paid.

I found it shortly after it had been issued, at a very interesting price (less than 200 Euro IIRC). A significant "investment" which I have never regretted.

Eek. I have DFD's book somewhere, which I thought was rather a lot to have. Now I see I was wrong!

[Mirror Image]

Unless you also buy the 3-volume set by the author

[asin]030011267X[/asin]
which is expensive, but for a Schubert's lieder lover, deserves every cent paid.

I found it shortly after it had been issued, at a very interesting price (less than 200 Euro IIRC). A significant "investment" which I have never regretted.

I wish something like this would happen for Debussy's mélodies. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[SimonNZ]

I wish something like this would happen for Debussy's mélodies. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Have you seen Graham Johnson's book on French Song?

https://www.amazon.com/French-Song-Companion-Graham-Johnson/dp/0199249660

[Mirror Image]

Have you seen Graham Johnson's book on French Song?

https://www.amazon.com/French-Song-Companion-Graham-Johnson/dp/0199249660

I have not, but thanks for bringing this to my attention!

[Jo498]

I don't have any complete set. Hyperion is/was too expensive; I have a few singles and I think the singers can be a mixed bunch while the "production value" and presentation is first rate. When the Naxos was offered cheaply I deciced that I had already so many Schubert lieder that I could not be bothered (and they had fairly mixed reviews as is to be expected by such a wide range of singers)
I don't even know how much I am missing, probably about half or even more. Because many recitals and selections will obviously contain a core of a few dozen or so.