Das Lied von der Erde / San Francisco Symphony with Michael Tilson-Thomas conductor, Thomas Hampson Baritone

1. Concertonet 29 September 2007 - Thomas Small

In the hands of Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony, with the magnificent Thomas Hampson and Stuart Skelton, the song cycle made the entire trip to San Francisco not only worthwhile, but also momentous.

In the first song, the "Drinking Song of the Sorrow of the Earth", the tenor sings "Life is dark, Death is dark." But the music was so bright and overwhelming that it was like looking into the sun. The opening, with Skelton, was thrilling, the voice and music leaping off the stage.

The song "Of Youth," is a painterly, narrative portrait of a scene, rather than a monologue. Various instruments become characters; the friends "dressed beautifully, drinking, talking, some writing verses." Skelton clearly loved this music, rendering a gorgeous, finely chiseled interpretation.

In "The Drunkard in Spring" Skelton showed himself to be truly Hampson’s peer, gifted with a tremendous instrument and great technical prowess.

Das Lied von der Erde / St Louis Symphony / Powell Hall, St Louis  (with David Robertson conductor, Michelle DeYoung, Mezzo-soprano) 

1. KDHX Music Review. 5 November 2005 - Gary Scott

...there was something captivating about his performance that drew us all in. Rarely does a singer unify him/herself so thoroughly with the music as did Skelton. The briskness and directness of interpretation was stunning. Let us hope that both these singers return often to St Louis.

2. STLtoday.com. Nov. 05, 2005 - Sarah Bryan Miller

...Skelton, a tall tenor with a clarion tone who carried his portion of "Das Lied" admirably, changing moods with each poem.

Das Lied von der Erde / St Louis Symphony / Carnegie Hall, New York (with David Robertson conductor, Michelle DeYoung, Mezzo-soprano) 

1. STLtoday.com. Nov. 20, 2005 - Sarah Bryan Miller

...a superb pair of soloists in mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung and tenor Stuart Skelton. The primary reason to be at Carnegie Hall that night was to hear "Das Lied von der Erde" with this orchestra, this conductor, and those soloists. The audience gave them a standing ovation, and brought Robertson and his soloists out for four well-deserved bows. 

2. The New Yorker. Issue of 2005-12-05 - Alex Ross

...Stuart Skelton and Michelle DeYoung dug into the vocal parts with uncommon urgency ; the conductor relaxed his grip ; and the orchestra took off.  

 Das Lied von der Erde / Frankfurt Radio Symphony (Daniel Harding)

1. MAINTAL TAGESANZEIGER. 08/05/04 - Lars-Erik Gerth

...Stuart Skelton, who took over on short notice, managed to sing his difficult part not just with the necessary resplendence, but also with vocal flexibility. He handled the difficult vocal ranges of the two drinking songs with brilliance, and also carried powerfully over the orchestral surges in the dynamic passages.

2. FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG. 10/05/04 -  Harald Budweg

...Stuart Skelton impressed with vigour in both timbre and presentation; displaying sophisticated mastery of the voice.

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