This CD's musical tone quality is outstanding. Braun's voice beautifully captures the mood of the 24 songs, which Schubert's friends considered his musical adieu to the world. These are songs that must be sung not only with vocal lyricism, but with heart. Like Die Schöne Müllerin, the song cycle recorded by tenor Michael Schade, the songs in Die Winterreise were set to poems by the Prussian poet, Wilhelm Müller. He published them in 1821, and Schubert returned to them in 1825 to create this outstanding song cycle. Three years later the composer died at age 31 from the ravages of a then incurable syphilis. Müller, by the way, just three years Schubert's senior, died in 1827 at age 33.

Over the years Russell Braun's voice has matured to such an extend that it is a pleasure to hear him sing in just about any musical genre in which he chooses to express himself. On this CD he is accompanied on piano by Carolyn Maule, who also happens to be his wife. The two are, to me, in perfect harmony as they perform this song cycle. And then there is that charming front cover that so perfectly captures the Canadian winter with Braun and Maule shown in a gentle, private moment. It is a perfect winter journey.

If I have any complaint, then it is the usual one — the English translation in the liner notes fails to capture the real tone of the poems. I cannot speak for the French translation. But, that minor complaint should in no way distract from the enjoyment of this CD. Those who do not speak German do not have to be afraid that the meaning of the original poems is lost in the translations despite the frequent lack of poetic phrasing. For anyone who loves Schubert Lieder, this is an absolute must CD to have.