With dramatic phatos - Alexander Walther (Review)

The outstanding bass baritone Mikhail Timoshenko from Russia and Bulgarian pianist Elitsa Desseva (piano) were the winners of the competition. These two exceptional artists harmonised together in a real duo. Melodic richness triumphed in Franz Schubert's "Auf dem See" D 543, "An den Mond" D 193 and "Im Frühling" D 882. Sharp rhythm and powerful vocals complemented each other. Hugo Wolf's "Harfenspieler I" and "Der Rattenfänger" as well as "Zur Warnung" were even stronger with regard to the dynamic increases and the great vocal volume. The passionate emphasis of the performance tore the audience.