The German Die Singphoniker emerged from the Music Academy of Munich in 1980. These six educated fellows were enchanted by the Comedian Harmonists, who preceded them as one of Germany's most popular vocal harmony groups; Die Singphoniker sound much like them (and bear more than a passing resemblance to England's King's Singers, as well). The sextet's scholarship led them to the works of Schubert, Lasso, Mendelssohn and others, and has resulted in many recordings through the years. This particular CD takes as its theme the "serenade," a song performed to express love for another. From this departure point, songs as disparate as "Paper Dolls" and Saint-Saens' "Serenade d'Hiver" are devoted companions; whether a madrigal ("Bon Jour Mon Coeur, " Lasso), or a standard ("Serenade In Blue," Warren), every track is impeccable. Three of the songs are accompanied by piano. |
