Anne Schwanewilms is one of Europe’s brighest stars, who has placed the music of Richard Strauss at the centre of her career. Highly acclaimed around the world, Miss Schwanewilms was chosen as ‘Singer of the Year’ in 2002 by Opernwelt magazine.

This recording combines two of Strauss’s greatest tone poems with some of his most beautiful music for voice and orchestra. Macbeth is – unjustly – rarely performed. It is packed with strength and drama, wonderfully evoking the murderous relationship between Macbeth and his Lady.

Don Juan, composed a year after Macbeth, is a true masterpiece. Conductor and Orchestra work perfectly together, vividly describing Juan’s flirtations and conquests; in turn magical and thrilling, and culminating with a duel to the death.

The disc features many of Strauss’s most poignant and moving songs, including Morgen! and Wiegenlied. The close relationship between Elder and Schwanewilms, both in the recording studio and on stage, shines through the performance, with the Hallé once again showing they are on top of their form.

Conductor
Sir Mark Elder

Soprano
Anne Schwanewilms

Catalogue number CD HLL 7508

Preview: https://orcd.co/pgvrew4