Gundula Janowitz, Herbert von Karajan - Strauss: Vier letzte Lieder, Tod und Verklärung, Metamorphosen (1995)

Karajan recorded Tod und Verklärung 3 times; 1960 with Vienna Philharmonic, 1971 and 1982 with Berlin Philharmonic. This is the second recording in 1971. The conductor extracts every detail of Strauss’s orchestration in a brilliant intensity. From the pianissimo in the opening to the climax near the end, the 100% engaged orchestra vividly expresses the transfiguration.

Among also 3 different rocordings of Metamorphosen by Karajan; 1947 with Vienna Philharmonic, 1969 and 1980 with Berlin Philharmonic, again this is the second recordings of 1969. Despite the fact that the piece is written for strings only, Karajan’s performance achieve a colorful display of the harmony between the passion and beauty.

The performance of Vier letzts Leider is, without doubt, led by the conductor rather than the soprano. Karajan brings in the best from Janowitz and Berlin Philharmonic. He reveal the precise details of Strauss’s orchestration with fine and, yet flowing music.
It is like a dance of water. You hear a moving ocean in Frühling. Then, what a delicate September! The music nurishes the memory of the glittering summer. Beim Schlaffengehen is kind and warm, as if to protect something very important, so fragile. The last piece of Im Abendrot, you will be surprised with the fast tempo, but it sounds so fresh. Listen to Janowitz sing “So lief im Abendrot” (rehearsal number F). Everything is liberated at this point, and we no longer fear death. This recording is definitely one of the best of Vier letzts Leider, if not the best.