Lieder (Selected)

Franz Schubert

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Gerald Moore

A single-disc selection from the larger Schubert song recordings. late 1960s, early 1970s

Top choice. 'The place I would start.' This single disc includes most of the popular songs. Fischer-Dieskau is the 'acme of Schubert singing,' inhabiting the dramatic emotions of 'Erlkönig' and 'Der Wanderer' as well as the softer songs.

Barbara Bonney, Geoffrey Parsons

Selected Schubert songs, including Ave Maria and Der Hirt auf dem Felsen. 1994

A great complement to Fischer-Dieskau. Bonney has an 'angelic-sounding, sweet tone.' The softer songs like 'Du bist die Ruh' are 'beautifully tender,' and she also excels in the songs for soprano like 'Der Hirt auf dem Felsen'.

Apple Music

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Edwin Fischer

Twelve selected songs. 1952 Mono recording.

Schwarzkopf sounds 'gloriously golden' in her prime. Features 'maybe my favorite version of An die Musik' and a delicate 'Auf dem Wasser zu singen.' A 'meeting of the minds of two wonderful artists'.

Apple Music

Gérard Souzay, Dalton Baldwin

Selected songs from the collection containing Winterreise and Die schöne Müllerin. 1960s

From the invaluable box set. Souzay brings a 'dreaminess and that inward quality' from French chanson, making the softer, delicate songs ('Nacht und Träume') 'just gorgeous.' Also very intense in dramatic songs like 'Doppelganger'.

Apple Music — Selected songs; this album does not include Winterreise or Die schöne Müllerin.

Bryn Terfel, Malcolm Martineau

Selected Schubert songs. 1994-1995

A beautiful set. Terfel's 'virile baritone sound' and 'wonderful deep tone' are perfect for a 'wonderful Erlkönig' and a 'wonderful version of Der Wanderer'.

Apple Music

Hans Hotter, Gerald Moore

Selected songs coupled with Schwanengesang. early 1950s Mono recording.

A priceless selection of Lieder coupled with his 'Schwanengesang.' Hotter brings a 'beautiful, calming solemnity' to the more reflective, softer songs.

Apple Music

Kathleen Ferrier, Phyllis Spurr, Benjamin Britten

Selected Schubert songs, with Spurr or Britten at the piano. late 1940s, early 1950s Mono recording.

A beautiful selection, including a 'poignant and touching' 'An die Musik' and 'Gretchen am Spinrad.' Her strong voice comes through the mono sound.

Elisabeth Schumann, Gerald Moore

Selected Schubert songs from historical recitals. late 1920s, 1930s Mono recordings.

From a golden-age opera singer who was a 'consummate leader artist.' Features 'beautiful phrasing' and the way she 'spins those lines.' 'Der Hirte auf dem Felsen' is 'just gorgeous... priceless leader singing'.

YouTube — Liebesbotschaft only.

Heinrich Schlusnus, Franz Rupp, Sebastian Peschko

Selected Schubert songs, with Franz Rupp or Sebastian Peschko at the piano. late 1920s - early 1940s Mono recordings (Prima Voce transfer).

A dramatic singer who 'brought that dramatic element to the leader.' Features a 'wonderful version of the Earl King' with 'nervous, frenetic energy' and a 'brooding version of the famous Stenchen.' Sounds good on the Prima Voce transfer.

Apple Music