The Hyperion Schubert Edition 24 - A Goethe Schubertiad / Schäfer, Ainsley, Keenlyside, George; Johnson

Schubert's songs often prove the fact that the best poetry does not always lend itself to a musical setting, and many of his most famous pieces employ less than magnificent texts. Goethe's poetry is the exception that proves the rule. This program consists entirely of songs to poems by the great German writer, and some of them are certainly Schubert's best. Ironically Goethe himself, on being sent a volume of musical settings by Schubert, never even replied to the composer. His lack of musical taste was as legendary as his poetry. --David Hurwitz