Lorraine Hunt Lieberson
Recital at Ravinia
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, mezzo-soprano; Peter Serkin, piano
Review By Wayne Donnelly
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  Two years before her death from cancer in 2006, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson gave this recital in the small hall at Ravinia, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The theme of the program was love — certainly fertile ground. Lieberson's marvelous range, as both vocalist and interpreter, is showcased beautifully in a mix of songs and arias from Brahms, Handel, Mozart, Debussy, and lesser-known composers Harry Thacker Burleigh and Robert E. Telson. Lieberson's vocalism is, as always with this wonderful singer, is pitch-perfect, and her spirituality and sensitivity to the texts are most impressive. One is not likely to hear any of this  music sung more movingly.

Adding luster to the occasion was  the contribution of the fine pianist Peter Serkin, whose  work rises above mere accompaniment to true partnership. Countertenor Drew Minter joins in on a ravishing duet from Handel's Giulio Cesare.

The beauty of this disc makes me all too acutely aware of what a tragic loss the music world suffered from this great artist's early demise. Lovers of great singing owe it to themselves to acquire this release. As usual with this label, the recorded sound is superb.

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