Lieder (Selected)

Richard Strauss

Barbara Bonney, Geoffrey Parsons

Selected Strauss songs, coupled with Wolf. 1989

Top recommendation. Bonney 'possesses just that sweet sound, very seductive and beautiful, but also with a fullness' that works well. 'Listen to the way she caresses Morgen.' Has an excellent coupling of Wolf songs.

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf / George Szell / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra & London Symphony Orchestra

Selected orchestral songs, coupled with Four Last Songs. 1965

A great selection of orchestrated Lieder (including 'Morgen') coupled with her top-choice 'Four Last Songs.' 'Beautifully caressed and phrased by Schwarzkopf'.

Apple Music — Orchestral songs with the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra, coupled with Four Last Songs.

Jessye Norman / Kurt Masur / Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra

Selected orchestral songs, coupled with Four Last Songs. 1982

A selection of orchestrated Lieder coupled with her 'Four Last Songs.' It's 'nice to hear that large voice' in rapturous songs like 'Zueignung,' and she is just as 'poignant and stretching out the tempos' in the softer ones.

Apple Music — Six orchestral songs, coupled with Four Last Songs.

Kirsten Flagstad

A small selection of Strauss songs, including Allerseelen. late 1930s Mono recording (Prima Voce transfer).

A selection of songs in 'ironically better sound' than her 'Four Last Songs.' Includes a 'wonderful version of Allerseelen' showing her 'gorgeous fullness' and 'wonderful artistry.' Strauss knew what he was doing in wanting her for his songs.