Herman Wallén's debut recital was born of a breakout performance at the 2003 Sommets Musicaux in Gstaad. Listening to this disc of orchestral songs by
Grieg and
Mahler, it's easy to understand why the jury at that concert would have been so impressed. Although still quite young (late twenties at the time of recording),
Wallén has a well-developed, free-flowing baritone voice of compact richness, and, more importantly, the interpretive instincts of an old soul. The combination is striking, and bodes extremely well for the future of his career. As it is,
Wallén need make no apologies for being young. His voice will certainly grow and change as he approaches his thirties, but it already has a core character that is both individual and secure. He sings well within himself, never looking for more sound or richness than are currently available to him, and as a result he never sounds preoccupied with the act of singing. Unlike many young artists whose vocal gifts outstrip their artistic maturity,
Wallén has already found ways to penetrate the underlying moods and subtexts of songs. So, though his is not a voice that will turn heads by sheer merit of size or opulence, his penetrating imagination leaves him poised to be far more interesting than many of his contemporaries. The
Grieg songs show him to have a talent for sprawling vocal narrative, etching phrases that are both immediately colorful and part of a larger, compelling story. And the
Mahler songs, which are usually best suited to those with a few more years and experiences under their belt, are surprisingly moving: by the entrance of the harp at the third stanza of "Die zwei blauen Augen," both consoling and heartbreaking in its sweetness, the accumulated weight of emotion becomes clear. It is truly a special performance, and given that
Wallén is still at the beginnings of what will probably be a fine career, quite remarkable. The rest of the production is equally fine.
Hannu Lintu's conducting of the
Helsingborg SO is sensitive, well shaped, and tonally gorgeous, and his attention to expressive detail equals
Wallén each step of the way. And the technical work is excellent, resulting in sound that is both spacious and intimate, rich, and clear.