Lieder (Selected)

Franz Schubert

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Gerald Moore

late 1960s, early 1970s

Top choice. 'The place I would start.' This single disc includes most of the popular songs. Fischer-Dieskau is the 'acme of Schubert singing,' inhabiting the dramatic emotions of 'Erlkönig' and 'Der Wanderer' as well as the softer songs.

Barbara Bonney, Geoffrey Parsons

1994

A great complement to Fischer-Dieskau. Bonney has an 'angelic-sounding, sweet tone.' The softer songs like 'Du bist die Ruh' are 'beautifully tender,' and she also excels in the songs for soprano like 'Der Hirt auf dem Felsen'.

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Edwin Fischer

1952 Mono recording.

Schwarzkopf sounds 'gloriously golden' in her prime. Features 'maybe my favorite version of An die Musik' and a delicate 'Auf dem Wasser zu singen.' A 'meeting of the minds of two wonderful artists'.

Gérard Souzay, Dalton Baldwin

1960s

From the invaluable box set. Souzay brings a 'dreaminess and that inward quality' from French chanson, making the softer, delicate songs ('Nacht und Träume') 'just gorgeous.' Also very intense in dramatic songs like 'Doppelganger'.

Bryn Terfel, Malcolm Martineau

1994-1995

A beautiful set. Terfel's 'virile baritone sound' and 'wonderful deep tone' are perfect for a 'wonderful Erlkönig' and a 'wonderful version of Der Wanderer'.

Hans Hotter, Gerald Moore

early 1950s Mono recording.

A priceless selection of Lieder coupled with his 'Schwanengesang.' Hotter brings a 'beautiful, calming solemnity' to the more reflective, softer songs.

Kathleen Ferrier, Phyllis Spurr

late 1940s, early 1950s Mono recording.

A beautiful selection, including a 'poignant and touching' 'An die Musik' and 'Gretchen am Spinrad.' Her strong voice comes through the mono sound.

Elisabeth Schumann, Gerald Moore

late 1920s, 1930s Mono recordings.

From a golden-age opera singer who was a 'consummate leader artist.' Features 'beautiful phrasing' and the way she 'spins those lines.' 'Der Hirte auf dem Felsen' is 'just gorgeous... priceless leader singing'.

Heinrich Schlusnus

late 1920s - early 1940s Mono recordings (Prima Voce transfer).

A dramatic singer who 'brought that dramatic element to the leader.' Features a 'wonderful version of the Earl King' with 'nervous, frenetic energy' and a 'brooding version of the famous Stenchen.' Sounds good on the Prima Voce transfer.