Gundula Janowitz, Academy of London, Richard Stamp - Richard Strauss: Lieder with Orchestra (2012) CD-Rip

A glorious collection of Strauss's orchestral songs, beautifully sung, and one which avoids the saccarin sentiment that other singers sometimes come close to. Sadly the Four Last Songs weren't included in this set which is a disappointment, but occasionally we can't always get what we want.
Janowtz's Four Last Songs cycle on DG that you may wish to get, is beautifully performed too, BUT, unlike this recording, DG's recording is technically not very good at all - in the eighties the engineers edited the tapes extrememly crudely - you can hear all the tape joins and the slightly differing pitches and tempi from different takes, another great disappointment. Those of you with very hi-fi will be able the hear the edits only too clearly, which inevitably spoils the enjoyment of the soaring performance. Try it anyway, but just enjoy this lovely collection as well, sung by a superb artist, and ably accompanied by the Academy of London.
Metamorphosen is a desperately sad piece that I can barely bring myself to play, but if you can manage to listen to it, it can be a great emotional release and somehow a reassurance. This whole cd is a welcome addition to any Strauss collection and will warrant repeated playing. Highly recommended.