Choral works (Gardiner; Monteverdi choir) (1992)

"The Liebeslieder Waltzes have long been a favourite of amateur choral societies. I suspect one reason for this is that, accompanied only by piano duet, they are relatively inexpensive to put on. But there is, of course, much more to it than that and from the delightful lift John Eliot Gardiner gives to the opening 'Rede, Madchen, allzu liebes', it's clear that here is choral music in an unusually light and captivating vein; Brahms's fondness for the waltz in his piano writing transfers easily to the chorus. Gardiner captures the quintessentially Viennese flavour with delicate touches of rubato and a keen sense for the shape of each line (excelling himself with a charming account of 'Wenn so lind dein Auge mir') to which the Monteverdi Choir seem particularly responsive." (Gramophone)