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Discussion: Strauss: Four Last Songs - Schwarzkopf, Szell

Posts: 13
Page: 1 2 next
Post by Ernani71 November 21, 2011 (1 of 13)
This recording is beautiful. If there's a better Four Last Songs, I'd like to hear it. Renée Fleming doesn't come close.
Post by Polarius T November 22, 2011 (2 of 13)
Ernani71 said:

If there's a better Four Last Songs, I'd like to hear it.
There's exactly one finer performance, and it is this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strauss-Four-Songs-Capriccio-Arabella/dp/B0001O3Y76/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321950271&sr=1-2.

[Earlier incarnation: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strauss-Songs-Capriccio-final-scene/dp/B00004YU8F/ref=sr_1_7?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321950271&sr=1-7 ]

For me it is probably superior. But the recording and playing are far more primitive.

Other than that, it's ultimately no competition. Although from time to time I feel an absolute urge to listen to this again, too: http://www.amazon.co.uk/R-Strauss-Orchestral-Songs-Richard/dp/B000026D04/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321950445&sr=1-1. For the sake of the conducting and playing, if nothing else (and the sonics, of course). Some would no doubt also prefer the singing here (I don't).

PT
Post by Polly Nomial November 22, 2011 (3 of 13)
Indeed - I don't think *anyone* comes close to musical unity as Schwarzkopf & Szell in this gorgeous music.

I'd go so far as to say this is the most important reissue on SACD to date. The "fill ups" are as beautiful & important IMO.
Post by Jonalogic November 22, 2011 (4 of 13)
Polly Nomial said:

Indeed - I don't think *anyone* comes close to musical unity as Schwarzkopf & Szell in this gorgeous music.

I'd go so far as to say this is the most important reissue on SACD to date. The "fill ups" are as beautiful & important IMO.
Absolutely. This was one of the newly released EMI/Japan classic recordings I ordered instantly. Not many recordings merit the moniker 'classic', but this is certainly one of them.

I shall be happy to report further as soon as it wends its way here from the Orient.
Post by hiredfox November 22, 2011 (5 of 13)
Ernani71 said:

This recording is beautiful. If there's a better Four Last Songs, I'd like to hear it. Renée Fleming doesn't come close.
Over the years I have shed more tears over this recording than for any other musical experience live or recorded. Truly breath-taking. One prays that EMI have not screwed up, 'more is less' so to speak!
Post by seth November 22, 2011 (6 of 13)
Polarius T said:

There's exactly one finer performance, and it is this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strauss-Four-Songs-Capriccio-Arabella/dp/B0001O3Y76/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321950271&sr=1-2.

[Earlier incarnation: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Strauss-Songs-Capriccio-final-scene/dp/B00004YU8F/ref=sr_1_7?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321950271&sr=1-7 ]

For me it is probably superior. But the recording and playing are far more primitive.

Other than that, it's ultimately no competition. Although from time to time I feel an absolute urge to listen to this again, too: http://www.amazon.co.uk/R-Strauss-Orchestral-Songs-Richard/dp/B000026D04/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1321950445&sr=1-1. For the sake of the conducting and playing, if nothing else (and the sonics, of course). Some would no doubt also prefer the singing here (I don't).

PT
Yep. Her voice was better in the mono version, but the stereo remake is beautifully recorded. And having Szell lead the orchestra didn't hurt.
Post by jazz1 November 22, 2011 (7 of 13)
Ernani71 said:

This recording is beautiful. If there's a better Four Last Songs, I'd like to hear it. Renée Fleming doesn't come close.
I have many versions of these including Schwarzkopf, Fleming, Norman etc
but the one I play most often is this one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Richard-Strauss-Four-Last-Songs/dp/B000062TDA/ref=sr_1_6?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1322028247&sr=1-6

and the recording is excellent I wonder if EMI remastering of Scwharzkopf can even come close.
Post by hiredfox November 23, 2011 (8 of 13)
jazz1 said:

I have many versions of these including Schwarzkopf, Fleming, Norman etc
but the one I play most often is this one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Richard-Strauss-Four-Last-Songs/dp/B000062TDA/ref=sr_1_6?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1322028247&sr=1-6

and the recording is excellent I wonder if EMI remastering of Scwharzkopf can even come close.
Well it is certainly the guide books favourite but Schwarzkopf also has a Penguin Rosette to her credit as well as an unmatchable voice. Obviously DG have a very powerful lobby in the press corps...

I cannot agree at all, it is all too easy to be seduced by the sonics of this newer disc but Isokowski has never managed a tear in my eye after numerous playings. Never follow the professional critics.
Post by jdaniel November 23, 2011 (9 of 13)
Ernani71 said:

This recording is beautiful. If there's a better Four Last Songs, I'd like to hear it. Renée Fleming doesn't come close.
Yes: Popp with Tennstedt; they unearth so many beautiful moments missed by others, including the above team.
Post by jazz1 November 23, 2011 (10 of 13)
hiredfox said:

Never follow the professional critics.
Or others personal preference
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