SV25 | Ich atmet' einen linden Duft

Some recordings become not only reference points, but legends. The transition from one to the other always carries a strong emotional component, which in this case is the premature death of the singer Kathleen Ferrier. The great contralto, with a brilliant career, died in 1953 at just forty-one years old. We can imagine the impact her passing had.

Fortunately, her recordings remain with us. Among them, one from 1952 —when the singer was already gravely ill— includes Das Lied von der Erde and the Rückert-Lieder by Gustav Mahler, with Bruno Walter and the Vienna Philharmonic. From that recording, we’ll listen to Ich atmet’ einen linden Duft, which will be the first of the Rückert-Lieder performed in Vilabertran, following the order chosen by Matthias Goerne.

This gives us a taste of what’s to come in three more concerts at the Schubertíada. As always, you’ll find the details at the end of the article.

Enjoy this legendary interpretation!