Sylvia Schwartz . Wolfram Rieger

'Sternstunde' (translated perhaps as 'a rare moment') would be the apt German description of the unforgettably beautiful concert experience that was the Lieder recital by Sylvia Schwartz and Wolfram Rieger two seasons ago. Utterly enraptured, we promptly invited them back again. Sylvia Schwartz is one of the most talented lyrical sopranos of the moment. She has just exchanged the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin for the Wiener Staatsoper, where she sings with the world's finest. She possesses everything that a good Lieder singer needs - a fine, supple voice with an infinite capacity for expression; a great feeling for the text and crystal-clear diction in whatever language she is singing in; and a natural presence with which she captures all our hearts. Add the phenomenal Wolfram Rieger and all the conditions are in place for a heart-warming Lieder recital. The fact that Schwartz has German and Spanish blood flowing through her veins is reflected in this programme. Besides fine Schubert and 'Spanish' Wolf selections, Schwartz and Rieger offer us tapas from the repertoire of Spanish song. Piquant rhythms and raw 'cante jondo' in an irresistible sauce of Rodrigo and De Falla.