Strauss: Four Last Songs

The voice of Karita Mattila glows. Its warmth fits perfectly with the swelling passions of Richard Strauss' compositions. These songs for soprano and orchestra are richly textured gems from a time just before the modern age.

Strauss' songs are tomes of beauty and happiness, with lyrics written by such respected authors as Hermann Hesse and Heinrich Heine. Mattila's voice matches the words for beauty, and the performance of the Berlin Philharmonic, led by renowned conductor Claudio Abbado, is the equal of both.

The "Gesang der Apollopriesterin" gives the album a regal introduction. It sets the tone for the incredible performance that follows. The 'Four Last Songs' that conclude the album were recorded live, giving them an even more vibrant feel. Still, the chemistry among the performers is tangible throughout.

Opera News (2/2000) - "Karita Mattila's new account of Strauss's 'Four Last Songs'...can take its place as one of the finest....Mattila has a mode of expression that is direct and unadorned...[and carries] a certain maturity that is comforting and authoritative..."