Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5021 in Music
• Released on: 1998-10-05
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 65 minutes

Customer Reviews

Magic which never fades
This must be the ideal recording of the 'Four Last Songs'. If her earlier version with Ackerman shows Schwarzkopf's young voice at its finest, in the remake with Szell she has added maturity and depth to her interpretation of what are, of course, songs of old age and autumn mellowness. Her voice here is incredibly beautiful; her interpretation of the words faultless. Szell weaves a wonderful orchestral backdrop and the (analogue) recording quality is quite flawless. Beautiful remastering as well!

I keep on listening to new recordings of the 'Four Last Songs' but keep on coming back to this one. A true 'Great Recording of the Century'!

grippingly beautiful
Generally I do not like vocal classical music, but these songs and performances are a remarkable exception. I for one cannot find fault in the l'art pour l'art principle and find Schwartzkopf's voice particularly beautiful and pure. The balance between orchestra and singer is perfect and the singing is appealingly restrained.
I do agree with the other reviewer however that it is hard to understand what Schwartzkopf is singing (the texts in the booklet are a welcome addition indeed), although I speak (and understand) fluent German very well. Therefore four in stead of five stars.

The very best recordin of Strauss Vier letzte Lieder?
For over thirty years this record have been one of my favorites. Schwarzkopf and Szell makes the absolute out of this last work and maybee the greatest masterwork from Richard Strauss hand. Schwarzkopf has also recorded it a couple of other times. Also remarcable, but these recordings are in mono and if you want "better" sound this is the CD!
All the other songs are also sung with an angels voice. Just listen to the last one "Am Winterweihe". No music lover can miss this CD!
Trond Halle,Shetland