In an age when fine baritones are plentiful, German Matthias Goerne stands out for the beauty of his voice and his innate understanding of the text. A pupil of both Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Goerne couldn't belong to a more distinguished lineage. His series of Schubert songs for Harmonia Mundi is full of treasures, but earlier recordings, made with Alfred Brendel at the piano, catch him with his voice in its sappiest youthful prime. He's also graced a couple of Bach St. Matthew Passions, lending a poise and humanity to this timeless masterpiece.