Just wonderful
A disc of the "Four Last Songs" of Richard Strauss as well as an aria and a scene from "Ariadne auf Naxos" and "Capriccio" followed by four arias from the three Da Ponte Operas of W.A. Mozart would create interest anytime but the music on this disc is performed at the highest level and, truly, in the grand manner.
The ravishingly beautiful soprano voice of Aga Mikolaj is always put to the service of these exalted scores.
She has complete mastery of her upper register coupled with a real piano (Kopfton). The "Four Last Songs" are shaped with the mastery of Maestro Karl Sollak and the adept playing of the Radio Orchestra Cologne.
The shaping of every line is just beautifull conducted by Maestro Sollak.
He shapes each phrase with such artistry that thee result sounds inevitable and score markings are respected and given just measure.
For example: the solo violin lines in "Beim Schlafengehen" have an other-worldy arch to their execution which is not frequently achieved.
The horns not only play in tune but with a round singing tone. Mdme. Mikolaj brings a mixture of womanlyiness and celestial majesty to the magical lines of "Es gibt ein Reich".
The final scene of "Capriccio" comes to life, as earlier selections, by the inspired vocalism of Mikolaj and Maestro Sollak with his responsive orchestra.
In the Mozart Arias, Mdme. Mikolaj brings her considerable considerable experience in the opera house to bear as delineates each of Da Ponte's heroines with beautiful vocalism and great insights.
Her authority in these recitatives is without flaw and her coloratura in Fiodiligi's Allegro section "Cosi Fan Tutte" is brilliantly executed, including the often smudged triplet-figures.
Again, all considerations behind serving the composers while letting great musical beautiful and elegance immerge at all times. Add to all of the above: the programme notes, particularly the comments of Aga Mikolaj about her preparation with her mentor Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and the musical insights of Maestro Sollak, make this disc a MUST for the serious lover of Strauss and Mozart.
