They combined some of Mahler’s best known songs with the last songs of an ailing Shostakovich to create a new original cycle. Each song told a story. Together they made a dramatic whole, expressing the deepest longings of the soul, from love and joy to sorrow, separation and death.

Goerne and Andsnes are formidable musicians. Goerne is more likely to be found on the giant stage of the Metropolitan Opera and Andsnes soloing with one of the world’s major orchestras than on the small stage of Dalton Center Recital Hall with just a piano. It was marvelous to hear such great soloists give themselves over to such intense, quiet introspection.

Without so many notes to play, Andsnes can show himself to be the consummate musician he is. Goerne brought all his dramatic training to these small songs, making each word and thought live. He has a miraculous voice, lovely in its high register, profound in the lower notes, all connected seamlessly and with great beauty.

Both completely inhabited and embodied the song, literally breathing as one.

Goerne and Andsnes gave themselves over to capturing and expressing the meaning of the songs, which were full of surprising harmonies, dramatic twists and turns. The songs ranged from the quietest reflection on “Primal Light” to a poor drummer boy’s last thoughts as he was led to the gallows.

The program heads to Carnegie Hall next week. We were incredibly lucky to hear it on its way as part of the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival.