Of ladies and love… Michael Schade, tenor Malcolm Martineau, piano Hyperion CDA67315

This lovely recording of lieder makes it clear why Canadian tenor Michael Schade has had such success internationally, not only on opera stages but equally in recital halls. Surprisingly, although he has made so many recordings, this is his first solo disc.

 Schade goes right to the heart of these texts about “ladies and love.” It’s not just the beauty and resonance of his tone, but his tenderness and impetuousness that make his voice so suitable for this repertoire, from the descriptiveness of Beethoven’s Adelaide to the full-throated drama of Schubert’s Laura am Klavier and the ardour of Fauré’s Nell. In Ravel’s Cinq mélodies populaires grecques, pianist Malcolm Martineau contributes an exciting array of orchestral colours to the texture.

 Schade’s supple phrasing makes Liszt’s Tre sonetti di Petrarca a memorable highlight. By exposing the lyrical soul of these ultra-romantic works Schade reveals why Liszt is at his most moving in his songs.

In Richard Strauss’s Morgen, Schade weaves a long, flowing line, and manages to sustain intensity without raising his voice beyond a restrained dynamic level. His stealthy entrance into Martineau’s evocative introduction is especially thrilling.

With its fine performances, intelligent programming, trust-worthy sound quality and comprehensive booklet, this disc upholds the standards set by Hyperion’s bold, obsessive founder, Ted Perry, who died in February.

Pamela Margles

Editor’s Note: This disc is nominated for a JUNO in the category Classical Album of the Year, Vocal or Choral Performance.

Concert Note: Michael Schade and Malcolm Martineau give a recital at Roy Thomson Hall on Wednesday, April 30.