Die schöne Müllerin
Franz Schubert
Fritz Wunderlich, Hubert Giesen
1966Top choice. 'Perfect for Fritz Wunderlich,' whose 'beautiful honeyed tone' suits the youthful, idealistic innocence of the cycle. 'Just so seductively beautiful' and 'heart-melting.' A perfect marriage of singing and cycle.
Gérard Souzay, Dalton Baldwin
1964A beautiful version noted for its 'expressivity... the way he tells the story.' Souzay varies the moods from song to song and colors his voice beautifully, especially at the most hushed moments.
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Gerald Moore
1961A famous classic. 'Beautifully assured singing, that gorgeous tone, and always delving into the meaning of the text, bringing the drama forth.' A priceless version to enjoy the beauty of the writing.
Ian Bostridge, Graham Johnson
1995A newer tenor version. Bostridge sings with a 'much lighter tone, which really does... go with the sort of innocence of the poetry.' 'Gorgeously tender,' especially in the final lullaby. Includes spoken poems by Fischer-Dieskau.
Gerhard Hüsch, Hans-Udo Müller
1935 Mono recording.An excellent historical version from a 'consummate German leader singer.' A 'wonderful storyteller' who conveys the different moods of each song with his 'wonderful tone'.
Julius Patzak, Michael Raucheisen
1943 Mono recording.A wartime recording. Patzak is 'a little bit more raw' than Wunderlich, but 'what you get here is the palpable emotion. He really goes for it.' The emotional part is 'earthed out completely'.
Aksel Schiøtz, Gerald Moore
1945 Mono recording.A real classic. Like Wunderlich, Schiøtz had a 'honeyed tone' and 'youthful innocence.' A 'consummate artistry, beautiful, just heartfelt singing.' A 'really, really beautiful version' despite the dim sound.