Anna Netrebko’s Strauss.
- Four Last Songs.
Composer Richard Strauss was born on June 11, 1864. A huge amount of recorded music was released this year to honor the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Now, as the year draws to and end, one of the world’s most admired sopranos, Anna Netrebko, adds her tribute as she sings Richard Strauss’ amazing “Four Last Songs”.
Strauss, R:
- Vier letzte Lieder, performed by Anna Netrebko (soprano).
- Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40
Supported by Staatskapelle Berlin, Daniel Barenboim conducting.
Ms. Netrebko is the world’s best-selling active soprano and quite simply, the undisputed superstar – “la prima donna assoluta” (New York Post) – of opera today. And for me, two of her great strengths are her sense of humor, and her great stage presence.
Known equally for her poise, her sensuality and her voice’s unmistakable color, Strauss’ Four Last Songs are a terrific vehicle for Ms. Netrebko’s expressive abilities to present these songs to the listener.
Daniel Barenboim is a conductor and pianist. In my view, he is one of the most complete musicians living today. He has directed Opera performances, recorded piano concertos, accompanied singers, performed chamber music, and conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras.
The Staatskapelle Berlin provides orchestral support for Ms. Netrebko. It is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious orchestras, and it boasts a proud Strauss tradition including great performances and recording under the composer himself. As such, this recording is a powerhouse in terms of the credentials of the performers.
This recording ends with “Ein Heldenleben”, one of the most vivid and popular tone poems by Richard Strauss, who himself was the Generalmusikdirektor of the Staatskapelle a century ago.
Let me illustrate:
Here is Anna Netrebko, singing Richard Strauss’ “Morgen” Live at The Last Night Of The Proms; (Do you recognize the violinist?)
And next, here are Anna Netrebko and Daniel Barenboim, as she performs Caecille, Op. 27, No. 2 by Richard Strauss:
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