Lieder (Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, Kindertotenlieder, Rückert-Lieder)
Gustav Mahler
Janet Baker / Sir John Barbirolli / Hallé Orchestra & New Philharmonia Orchestra
Kindertotenlieder, Rückert-Lieder and Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen. late 1960sTop choice. One of the iconic solo vocal recordings. 'Kindertotenlieder' is poignant and dignified, 'Rückert-Lieder' is tender (especially 'Ich bin der Welt'). Just gorgeous, beautiful artistry, sound, and conducting.
Apple MusicDietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Daniel Barenboim / Rudolf Kempe, Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra
Kindertotenlieder with Kempe; Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with Furtwängler; Rückert-Lieder with Barenboim at the piano. 1950s-1970s Compilation from different sessions (Kempe, Furtwängler, Barenboim).A great compilation. Fischer-Dieskau was 'really well-suited to Mahler.' Features a deeply felt 'Kindertotenlieder' (1955), a tender 'Rückert-Lieder' on piano (1978), and a 'Lieder eines... Gesellen' with Furtwängler (1952).
Apple MusicDietrich Fischer-Dieskau / Rafael Kubelík / Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen only. 1968A highly recommended 'Lieder eines... Gesellen' coupled with Kubelík's First Symphony. This version is better recorded than the Furtwängler and is 'if anything, even more nuanced... very, very beautiful'.
Apple Music — Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with Kubelík; other song cycles on this album are conducted by Karl Böhm.Kathleen Ferrier / Bruno Walter / Vienna Philharmonic
Kindertotenlieder only. 1949 Mono recording.Ferrier's 1949 'Kindertotenlieder' with Walter. Despite noisy recording, 'the artistry is the reason you listen to this.' Impeccable phrasing, exquisite control, and deeply heartfelt.
Kathleen Ferrier / Bruno Walter / Vienna Philharmonic
Three Rückert-Lieder, including Um Mitternacht and Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen. 1952 Mono recording. Coupled with Das Lied von der Erde.Three of the 'Rückert-Lieder' from the same 1952 sessions as 'Das Lied.' 'Um Mitternacht' and 'Ich bin der Welt' are 'unmissable'—beautifully phrased, sung, touching, and heartfelt.
Apple Music — Three Rückert-Lieder, coupled with Das Lied von der Erde.