What’s on the plate?
We have chosen for you another good album that stands out for its interpretative depth, but also for its importance as reference material on the musical market – Rachel Willis-Sørensen’s Strauss: Four Last Songs under the label Sony Music Entertainment launched in October 2022. The album is a stunning recording that captures the essence of the german composer’s music – Richard Strauss. The lush orchestral accompaniment provided by the Gewandhausorchester under the baton of Andris Nelsons provides a perfect backdrop for Willis-Sørensen’s soaring vocal lines. I find the selection of works a successful mix concerning the period when the pieces were composed and in terms of atmosphere and message. The first half is Richard Strauss’s Vier letzte Lieder – Four Last Songs and the second is the closing scene of his final opera, Capriccio. For the second part, the soprano is joined by German bass Sebastian Pilgrim. Drawing on her rich vocal power and emotional range, Willis-Sørensen brings these masterworks to life in a way that is both hauntingly beautiful and profoundly moving. Exactly how this music should be played!
Let’s have a closer look!
Vier letzte Lieder – Four Last Songs Written in 1948, Vier letzte Lieder, were the composer’s “swan song”, the last works he wrote before his death. He created the songs as a meditation on his mortality, and on the idea of death being a transition from life to another world. In the interpretation of Rachel Willis-Sørensen and Gewandhausorchester conducted by Andris Nelsons, I profoundly felt the melancholy and uplifting, reflecting the conflicting emotions that Strauss wanted to put in his music. The opening song, Frühling, sets the tone for the rest of the album with its lyrical melody and gentle orchestral accompaniment and the soprano Willis-Sørensen’s performance brings the text to life with passion. With the following songs, September, Beim Schlafengehen and Im Abendrot we can fully enjoy how Willis-Sørensen’s voice glides effortlessly over the shifting harmonic landscapes and Andris Nelson’s vision of the orchestral accompaniment, together bringing these timeless masterpieces to life. Overall, are mesmerizing recordings that find the balance of delicate phrasing and emotional intensity.
Selections of Capriccio
Capriccio is one of the most enduring and beloved works of the German composer. Also written at the end of his life, the piece is an example of Strauss’ mastery of the lyrical idiom. I truly enjoyed the selections from the final movement, Presto, a spirited and energetic conclusion to the piece, with a fast and exciting tempo. Listening to the album I can clearly say that these recordings are a powerful example of musical storytelling. With Willis-Sørensen and Sebastian Pilgrim in the spotlight, the music immediately captures the listener’s attention and encourages us to fantasize. The piece is led by an impressive full orchestra, with a strong emphasis on the strings, parts filled with emotion, where Strauss utilizes a variety of techniques to convey it. From the pulsing rhythms to the sweeping melodic lines, Strauss paints an entrancing picture in which our performers shine! The final movement of Richard Strauss’ Capriccio is a powerful and moving experience. If the first part of the album makes us contemplate more on the meanings of life, then the second one brings its other side, the one full of unknown’s excitement.
Final thoughts
The album highlights recordings of exceptional depth, distinguished by interpretation and power of expression. It is a testament to Strauss’ genius as well as a timeless example of the importance of blending interpretation and composition to achieve results of enduring beauty. This album’s complex subtleties and emotion are sure to move and inspire listeners. Highly recommended.
