Strauss Richard Four Last Songs

Saving the best for last in the Richard Strauss anniversary 2014. The world’s most luxurious soprano, Anna Netrebko, sings Richard Strauss’ sumptuous Four Last Songs, accompanied by the Staatskapelle Berlin and Daniel Barenboim. An irresistible, all-star combination.

Many of Richard Strauss´s compositions had their world premiere in Dresden and the composer dedicated An Alpine Symphony to the Dresden orchestra. The programme includes Four Last Songs, Ernster Gesang by Wolfgang Rihm and the German premiere of the last completed Strauss song "Mallows" in an orchestral version, arranged specifically for Dresden by Wolfgang Rihm.

Many of Richard Strauss´s compositions had their world premiere in Dresden and the composer dedicated An Alpine Symphony to the Dresden orchestra. The programme includes Four Last Songs, Ernster Gesang by Wolfgang Rihm and the German premiere of the last completed Strauss song "Mallows" in an orchestral version, arranged specifically for Dresden by Wolfgang Rihm.

A selection of Richard Strauss’s most-loved lieder and songs, and Elisabeth’s arias from Wagner’s Tannhäuser, the role in which Lise Davidsen will make her debut at Bayreuth Festival. Plus Ariadne’s aria from Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos: her 2017 Glyndebourne debut in the title role was named “one of those ‘I was there’ moments” (The Times).
Also includes Strauss’s iconic Four Last Songs, originally premiered by Decca’s Kirsten Flagstad. Recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra, who performed the premiere of the Four Last Songs, and Finnish conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen.

Singer Asmik Grigorian has chosen to record both versions of Richard Strauss's ultimate masterpiece, composed in 1948: the version with orchestra and the much rarer version with piano. Why? “Because “one” is never enough for me :)" writes Asmik. "My main interest in recording both versions was that they each require different colors - even if they are the same piece. Mikko Franck is one of the best conductors working today, and makes everything simple, like all the truly special things on this planet are. Markus Hinterhäuser is just a magician in everything he does. Making music with them makes me feel that I am not alone.”

A selection of Richard Strauss’s most-loved lieder and songs, and Elisabeth’s arias from Wagner’s Tannhäuser, the role in which Lise Davidsen will make her debut at Bayreuth Festival. Plus Ariadne’s aria from Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos: her 2017 Glyndebourne debut in the title role was named “one of those ‘I was there’ moments” (The Times).

Willis-Sørensen celebrates the release of her second solo album with Sony Classical, “Strauss: Four Last Songs”. The album presents masterpieces from Richard Strauss’s later years, including his sublime Vier letzte Lieder and the closing scene of his final opera, Capriccio. Praised by Opéra Magazine for possessing an “uncommon talent, able to rival the best examples of the past, without being content to simply follow in their footsteps”, Ms. Willis-Sørensen is accompanied by renowned conductor Andris Nelsons, who leads the Gewandhausorchester. Also featured on the album is German bass Sebastian Pilgrim who joins Ms. Willis-Sørensen for the Capriccio scene. Her debut album Rachel which was released last year, received widespread praise and recognition. Gramophone Magazine recommended the album as “a rewarding and intelligent debut from a very fine singer”.