Lieder (Selected)
Richard Strauss
Barbara Bonney, Geoffrey Parsons
1989Top 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
1965A great selection of orchestrated Lieder (including 'Morgen') coupled with her top-choice 'Four Last Songs.' 'Beautifully caressed and phrased by Schwarzkopf'.
Jessye Norman / Kurt Masur / Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
1982A 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.
Kirsten Flagstad
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.