Songs Without Words (Lieder ohne Worte)

Felix Mendelssohn

Daniel Barenboim /

1973

Gil's top choice. Barenboim's 'beautiful touch' and 'smooth sumptuousness... really... works well for these works' because it 'accentuates that kind of peaceful, not as heavy quality.' 'Very well recorded.'

Walter Gieseking /

1956

'Wonderfully lyrical, wonderful character and imagination.' A good recording (coupled with his Grieg) that 'really illuminate[s] these pieces as well.'

Plateselskap: EMI

Ignaz Friedman /

1930

'Unmissable' selections. Friedman had a 'wonderful musical quality of a romantic soul' married to 'wonderful rhythmic inflection and tone and color.' Sound is old but 'unmissable.'