Album: Schubert, Die Schöne – Souzay / Baldwin (Newton Classics)

Dutch label Newton Classics launches with some intriguing vintage recordings, including two from the late French baritone, Gérard Souzay.

Celebrated for his mélodies, he was also an accomplished lieder artist.

This intimate 1961 performance of Die Schöne Müllerin is notable for its textural clarity and his often daringly soft dynamics, matched in Dalton Baldwin's lyrical accompaniment. Disc two's song selection features an effortlessly graceful "Heidenröslein" and a visceral reading of "Der Zwerg".