Gundula Janowitz, Richard Strauss: Beim Schlafengehen

[TheMinisigi]

There has never been an orchestrator to equal Strauss. There have been so many recordings of these songs, composed by an old man in his eighties, that it is impossible to say one is above all others. But the songs themselves are one of the greatest works of all time. Janowitz is superb and serene.

[11777766]

Sublime.

[lovinSpoonful]

Her voice is like liquid gold to me - floating and soaring above all those notes. Incredible! Makes my eyes leak every time.

[bogorzelak]

Absolutely wonderful.

[wendyhopley1]

This is breathtaking!!!

[PUCCINIMUSICK]

Janowitz sings with the incredible background of the Berlin Philharmonic. God Almighty on the podium...Only a genius can conceive such a marvellous crescendo as the one under the words "Und die Seele unbewacht". No terms to describe it. Simply eternal.

[PTCello]

This is very slow... her breath control is astonishing... can you imagine how difficult it must be to maintain the line at such a tempo.

I think I still prefer Schwarzkopf...

[sfkcbf]

In addition to her excellent vocal training, apparently Gundula Janowitz had several uncommon physical attributes that contributed to her greater than usual breath capacity and control, pitch focus, and great golden tone, perfect for Richard Strauss. People speak of interpretive skills of Schwarzkopf and others; however, for wonderous sound (among female sopranos) I have found few voices so engaging as that of Gundula Janowitz. An opera director told me that there has been none like her since.

[svenson03]

@PTCello They are both godesses. I dare not prefer one of them.

[willmiller5]

This brings me to my knees! How about the terrific touches of orchestration -- the solitary bell near the beginning.  And how about the incredible sensitivity of the first violinist?

[sfkcbf]

I tell friends that Richard Strauss began his career as a musical genius and ended it as a musical super-genius. His vocal music (when sung as well as that of Gundula Janowitz) and orchestrations are sublime.

[PTCello]

One day, in a rare fit of modesty, Strauss told an orchestra,"I am not a first rate composer.... but I AM a first rate SECOND rate composer."

He gave us at least four all-time operas, some eternal tone poems, two great Horn concertos, the best oboe concerto in the repertoire, and these...

he earned his laurels.

[Espetrio]

Die beste Interpretation, die ich gehört habe. Einzigartig!

Danke, Gundula Janowitz

[igoradler11]

Gundula Janovitz is simply the best interpret of the "last songs" ihe ever heard!!!!

[Michaelvc1987]

And how would you sing it than? I even think that it is even nicer than the one of Dame Elisabeth. Those two are the best recordings, but this one goes way over the other one.

[elcamman50]

I have to say the first time I heard this beautiful rendition was while I was playing the movie "The Year of Living Dangerously" with Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver. It brought tears to my eyes even then. It took me forever to find who and what it was (really). Since then I listened to it on a weekly basis. It has restored my soul. That there is such beauty in the world humbles me to tears. Thank you Richard Strauss and Hermann Hesse. If you can find it read his book "Knulp". Thank you

[theaugustgirl]

I was just telling a friend this is how I discovered The Four Last Songs as well when I discovered your comment. The film had a profound effect on me as do these songs. Thanks for sharing this comment.

[Myklett]

Beautiful! The song, the voice and the images. Thank you so much for putting these elements together so happily, not only in this posting but in your many others.

Whenever I hear criticism of the internet, and especially of YouTube, as promoting mindless rubbish, I think of offerings like yours, and remain calm and grateful!

[treblechoir99]

Just wonderful. Hermann Hess, It's the writer for 'Steppen Wolf'?

[Glenmed]

Surely one of the great soprano voices of all time. Pure gold! Here with Karajan. Thanks for the lovely images.

[sfkcbf]

I know of two Janowitz recordings of these songs. The ones with Karajan conducting are the better ones because of the more successful conducting tempo and expression.

[jockboy69]

@Glenmed This is one of the greatest readings of these pieces ever. The breath control, the infallible sense of pitch, the long unending lines, are astounding.

She was a gift to all of us!

[ballycotton32]

Janowitz's voice soars in free flight and lives a thousandfold,your images complement song and singer and create a new work of art-wonderful.Thank you.