Birgit Nilsson: Vier letzte Lieder by Strauss

Richard Strauß (1864-1949)
Vier letzte Lieder ♦ Four Last Songs ♦ Quatre derniers lieder, Op.150
I Frühling
II September
III Beim Schlafengehen
IV Im Abendrot
Birgit Nilsson (1918-2005), soprano
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Leif Segerstam
1970
_

[@eduardovillanueva1331]

This is an amazing version of Strauss´ Four Last Songs. We tended to expect from Nilsson a constant powerhouse delivery typically appropriate for Brünnhilde, Turandot, Isolde and Minnie, but here, expansively conducted by Segerstam, she interprets these wonderful song with an intimacy and sheer beauty that are surprisingly moving. She knew how to make Strauss heroines "tell", and these songs are no exception. Her portamentos are elegant and precise, as is the rest of the performance.

[@Tenortalker]

There is much to enjoy here. Yes, there are rhythmic faults with some entries anticipated, as if the mighty Nilsson hadn't quite yet relaxed in her mastery of these songs. However she sings with much feeling and it is a pleasure to listen to her voice in a mode other than Wagnerian.

[@petercollins7848]

An alternative presentation to what we are usually used to, but a beautiful interpretation no less. She makes these songs so ‘real’ as though singing them for the first time, an alternative to the very ‘studied’ interpretations we usually get. It is a shame she is recorded a little distant and not more forward, she is slightly overshadowed by the orchestra. But this may be a live recording? Most lovely to hear!

[@kendrickjacocks3351]

Even if Elisabeth Schwarzkopf et al turns in her (their) grave and sends me back the letter I wrote her from Berlin to the Wiener Staatsoper (where I recently worked out a bit) to be my teacher that summer '97; when I, a handsome youth spent a jolly time in the throws of youth and visited Strauss' home near Garmisch/Munich, I would still love Geetay Nilsson as the best of the Four Last Songs!

[@Operafreak9]

Thank you Handsome Youth. Schwaerzkopf will not return your letter because she would have to agree.

[@Felipe.Taboada.]

Listen to Flagstad's version of this masterpiece.

Is this a transposition or is it slowed down? It sounds half a step lower?

[@lundilar]

No sale.

[@henrygingercat]

Oh dear 09'25" onwards.

[@liedersanger1]

Could you state your opinion directly?

[@henrygingercat]

@@liedersanger1 Her intonation sags alarmingly.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

​@@henrygingercatcalm thyself, sweetie - there are better things to be faux indignant about these days