Royal entertainment from the chaise longue

From the Erlkönig up to the Killer Queenfrom Henry Purcell to Janis Joplin - the musical band readiness of the Dezibelles from Zurich is astounding. On their live album The heirs to the thronerecorded on June 16, 2019 at the Helferei Zurich, the singers shine with flawless voices, perfect intonation and sophisticated a cappella arrangements that give each of the eleven songs a special character. In Bulgarian Kaval sfiri the quartet mutates into a traditional Balkan ensemble with a throaty vocal sound, Mercedes Benz (arrangement: The Beggars, Rebekka Bräm) is sung in a powerful gospel version, Freddie Mercury's Killer Queen unfolds a genuine big band sound with powerful swells and sharp contours.

Nicole Hitz and Rebekka Bräm draw crystalline soprano lines, Daniela Villiger (mezzo) pulls the strings together and Editha Lambert provides the necessary foundation with her deep alto. Only the occasional attempts at percussion have room for improvement. This sounds a little staid or is sometimes completely dispensable, as at the end of the harmonically spiced Sting hit, which is refined with great color changes and big bows Russians. The sophisticated arrangements by musical director Andrea Fischer turn the songs of these heiresses to the throne into real crown jewels - starting with Henry Purcell's touching, soprano-figured Music For A While to the poppy Royals by the New Zealand singer Lorde. The melodies wander through the voices without any loss of quality. Whether lead vocals or accompanying vocals, whether merging in a choral setting or individual standing - the Dezibelles are all-rounders. And if you leave the CD playing a little longer after the last note, you can hear the four heirs to the throne whistling.