Strauss: 4 Last Songs / Orchestral Songs / Rosenkavalier Suite

Renee Fleming (Artist), Hermann Hesse (Artist), Joseph von Eichendorff (Artist), Richard Dehmel (Artist), Gottfried August Burger (Artist), Heinrich Hart (Artist), Richard Strauss (Composer), Christoph Eschenbach (Conductor), Houston Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Houston Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Christoph Eschenbach
• Composer: Richard Strauss
• Audio CD (November 9, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA / BMG
• ASIN: B000003G47
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,592 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #19 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Fleming, Renée

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

This lower-priced repackaging is most welcome, and fans of either Richard Strauss's songs or Renée Fleming should jump for joy. The wonderful American soprano's voice and particular gifts are tailor-made for Strauss's long, flowing, arching melodies. Indeed, in the Four Last Songs, as far as breath control is concerned, Fleming almost outdoes Jessye Norman; with regard to beauty of tone, she gives Gundula Janowitz a run for her money; and interpretively even Elisabeth Schwarzkopf would be proud. Fleming's voice is absolutely evenly produced, her sense of legato is ravishing (and occasionally--but only occasionally--slightly too Italianate and voluptuous for these songs), and her intelligence is keen. The five other songs, originally composed with piano accompaniment but later orchestrated by Strauss, are just as splendidly done. I doubt if "Wiegenlied" will ever be sung so beautifully again. An unimportant reading of the suite from Der Rosenkavalier rounds out this CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strauss would be pleased, April 15, 2002

By 

Bruce Hodges (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Strauss: 4 Last Songs / Orchestral Songs / Rosenkavalier Suite (Audio CD)

I have seven or eight versions of the "Four Last Songs," including favorites by Jessye Norman, Gundula Janowitz, and Lucia Popp. And now this one, which will rank with the best.

From the start, I was impressed with Eschenbach and the Houston Symphony, sounding for all the world like the most Straussian orchestra on the planet. The sound they produce - Ms. Fleming aside for a moment - is gorgeous, and the RCA recording is excellent. Eschenbach is clearly at home with the music.

Ms. Fleming is one of the world's greatest singers, and the chance to hear her tackle these songs should not be missed. Just sample the third, "Im Abendrot," and try not to be transported. Here is a great vocalist matched with one of the world's most divine, probing, soaring songs.

I can't say that Fleming's version of these is "the best" since there are many outstanding interpretations that I'd be unwilling to give up. But her artistry in these pieces is unmistakable. Highly recommended.

22 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unbelievable Interpretation, December 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Strauss: 4 Last Songs / Orchestral Songs / Rosenkavalier Suite (Audio CD)

I find it unbelievable that one could place Lucia Popp anywhere near Renee Fleming as far as Strauss interpretation (or any other interpretation, for that matter) is concerned. Popp was musical, but her voice had a tightness that is very stressful to listen to. Yes, Fleming's voice is a chocolate bath - it is purple velvet, or a deep red wine. This music could have been written for her. In this recording, we have found the ultimate Strauss singer - yes, I think she does surpass Schwarzkopf and Janowitz . There is no hurdle in the score that she can't handle, and can't handle unspeakably beautifully. This is an absolute MUST!

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite, August 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Strauss: 4 Last Songs / Orchestral Songs / Rosenkavalier Suite (Audio CD)

Through the tears streaming down my face at the beauty and poignancy of "Befreit", one of the additional songs included beyond the Four Last, I wholeheartedly endorse this lovely recording. I have many (many) versions of Strauss's Four Last Songs and this is in the absolute top tier. Ms. Fleming's sweet/strong/rich/emotional/shimmering voice is just what the Old Master must have had in his ear as he wrote these limpid and luscious songs.