SCHUBERT: “SCHWANENGESANG.” Hermann Prey, baritone; Philippe Bianconi,...

SCHUBERT: “SCHWANENGESANG.” Hermann Prey, baritone; Philippe Bianconi, piano. Denon 33C37-7906 (compact disc). Prey’s robust voice has endured handsomely, although it is not invariably the ideal vehicle for communicating the varied emotional messages of the 15 songs of Schubert’s final collection. “Aufenthalt” and “Der Atlas” require considerably more weight and darkish color from their interpreter. “Liebesbotschaft” and “Die Taubenpost” fall victim to metronomic monotony. And “Der Doppelgaenger” is merely congenial, which is definitely not the purpose behind that chilling Heine poem. Prey scores where the sentiment inclines to lyric simplicity, in “Staendchen” and “Abschied.” Pianist Bianconi offers plodding, eccentric, immature accompaniments. Denon’s sonics, favoring the baritone, are exemplary.