crying and frying

[stencil at bcn.net]

>On Mon, 13 Jan 1997 21:14:40 -0600 (CST)
>Diana York Blaine asked,
>I'm planning a seminar next term on death, mourning and suicide in
>literature.  Someone mentioned Werther--any other suggestions?  I
>thought maybe Hamlet and Gerald's Party, inter alia. I'm not limited by
>genre, period or geography. 

The German poet Friedrich Rueckert commemorated the deaths of some of
his children in a cycle of lyrics, four of which were set to music by
Gustav Mahler.  Subsequently two of Mahler's children died.
_Kindertotenlieder_, for all it's a father's plaint, usually is more
effectively sung by a mezzo than a baritone.  Bryn Terfel is a little
warmer than the otherwise perfect Fischer-Dieskau, Janet Baker is
better yet;  but if you are prepared to be crucified, hear Kathleen
Ferrier sing the _Ein Laemplein_ section.  Light.
===============