CD Recommendations - Dichterliebe, Under the Pepper Tree

Dichterliebe
Yoosin Park – Cello
Florian Uhlig – Piano
available on Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music

Dichterliebe on cello? Works surprisingly well actually. For her debut album, South Korean cellist Yoosin Park made a convincing argument for song cycles to be performed on strings more often. The secret ingredient here is her gorgeously pure cello ‘voice’ surprisingly very subtle vibrato approach. Her legato is also eerily effortless; hers is one of the cleanest playing I’ve heard of modern cellists. Every song in the cycle was a joy to listen to from start to the end.

Other accompanying pieces in the album are equally competent as well. I’ve really enjoyed her sensitive rendition of Schumann’s Op.102 a lot as well, the second one in the set “Langsam” was a standout. Florian Uhlig proved to be an equal musical partner, though unfortunately his playing occasionally overpowered Park’s in livelier tracks. But overall, a solid debut and worth a listen.

Under the Pepper Tree
Sara Watkins - Vocal
available on Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music

The latest album from contemporary bluegrass singer Sara Watkins is a wonderfully conceived children’s album. Rather than consisting mostly of random mix of previously released singles, the album is intended to be listened from start to the end with many of the songs flowing seamlessly from one to another. Its gentle lullaby-like nature makes it perfect for late night listening.

The singing throughout was exceptional. Standards such “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “Moon River” are beautifully rendered and faithful to the originals. The standout for me though was an original song “Night Singing”. The outstanding orchestral and acoustic accompaniments are further icing on the cake.

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