I much prefer Te Kanawa’s earlier 1979 interpretation to her later performance with Georg Solti. Her sense of wonder and discovery is painfully absent from the later recording, but the former finds her fascinated beyond measure! A true benchmark FLS.

I understand that my next comment will be horribly unpopular with the majority of Straussians, but I personally feel that Elisabeth Schwarzkopf has been surpassed by a number of more recent sopranos… but not superceded. This classic account with George Szell at the helm should be in every serious collection. A beautiful and much-loved performance, despite my misgivings.

Miss Brewer has been roundly criticized for her Wagner interpretations (especially Isolde!), but she is no doubt one of the finest interpreters of Strauss presently before the public. Just listen to her amazing self-assurance in “Frühling”, and her absolute acceptance of the inevitable end in “Im Abendrot.” Simply superb!

Here – for instruction of what NOT to buy – we have a wonderfully gifted opera singer's total inability to grasp the felicities of German lieder. Vier Letzte Lieder is NOT opera: the list of dramatic sopranos who have failed to grasp this truth is long and illustrious! For incomparable Wagner, investigate Nina Stemme; for an FLS with poetry, elegance and style, look elsewhere.

An utterly captivating rendition of the Four Last Songs for soprano and solo piano. This inspiring new vision, and Barbara Bonney’s well thought-out interpretations, will leave you intrigued and satisfied beyond measure. A unique account that begs further investigation. Ground-breaking!

A beautifully atmospheric account with Felicity Lott in heart-Breakingly beautiful voice. It must be said that Järvi’s tempos are, as always, a bit on the quick side, but no matter; Lott’s commanding presence and her sheer musicality will leave you standing and, yes, applauding! A true gem that should NOT to be missed!

If ever there was a great (and woefully under-recorded!) singer of German Lieder, Arleen Augér must be rated as one of the five best in history! You will never hear a more wonderfully “mature” performance of these songs; sumptuous and life affirming in every respect. The VPO play magnificently and Previn - for once in his life - actually gets the tempos right!