Vier ernste Gesänge (Four Serious Songs)
Johannes Brahms
Hans Hotter, Gerald Moore
1951 Mono recording. Coupled with Bach Cantata 82.Top choice. A classic version. Hotter's deep bass gravitas goes perfectly with the tone of this grim work, but he can also sing very softly and poignantly, as in the final consoling song.
Kathleen Ferrier, John Newmark
1950 Mono recording.A beautiful version, less grim and more on the consoling side than Hotter's. Ferrier brings her stereotypical heartfelt poetry, sensitivity, and deep alto tone, communicating the text's meaning.
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Gerald Moore
1958 Live recording from Salzburg.A live recording with Fischer-Dieskau at his vocal peak. Features a 'wonderful hushed poignancy' and an intimate, intense recital feeling.
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Hertha Klust
1949 Mono studio recording.An earlier studio recording from the DG box set, offering clearer sound. He brings intensity and probes the music, floating beautiful high notes and showing great maturity for his age.