Strauss, R: Allerseelen, Op. 10 No. 8

Richard Strauss, the great composer of symphonic poems and grand operas, wrote solo songs throughout his life: his first compositions, performed within his family circle, were songs and his setting of the poem Malven (Mallows) was to be the last piece he completed. Taking a keen interest in the possibilities and limitations of the human voice, Strauss in the solo song genre found the opportunity to try out various musical options and to discover his own individual style. But the writing of songs also served as a form of relaxation, a way of passing the time. The result is a varied spectrum of atmospheres, moods and emotions: from the jesting tone of Hat gesagt — bleibt’s nicht dabei to the heart-felt declaration of love in Cäcilie and the portrayal of madness of the Three Songs of Ophelia.

Camilla Tilling, whose successful opera career in a very short time has taken her to some of the world’s most prestigious venues — including Covent Garden, the Metropolitan, La Scala and La Monnaie — made her international breakthrough in the role of Sophie in Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. Ever since, Strauss’s music has held a special place for her, and on her first solo recording she has chosen to perform some of her favourites among his songs. She is partnered by the fine German pianist Paul Rivinius, with violinist Ulf Wallin making a guest appearance in Morgen!, where he plays the solo that Strauss added when making an orchestral version of the song.

Camilla recently starred in the recent production of Hansel and Gretel at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, to great acclaim: “But the second cast was terrific - better on points than the first, with a particularly enchanting Gretel from Camilla Tilling, who had…personal sweetness and vocal charm”. The Telegraph

Lisa Gasteen was the winner of the Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 1991. Since then her career has taken her around the world, notably as a singer in the Wagnerian and Straussian repertoire. This superb release is conducted by Simone Young whose recent recordings of Bruckner symphonies have received phenomenal reviews and plaudits.

Michiyo Iida studied singing with Prof Rieko Hikita in Japan and attended masterclasses with Gianni Raimondi. She made her debut as Rosalinde in “Die Fledermaus”. Her roles include: Gretel in "Haensel und Gretel", Adina in "L'elisir d'amore', Rosina in "Il Barbiere di Sivillia", Violetta in "La Traviata", Governess in "The turn of the screw", Lucia in "Lucia di Lammermooor", Gilda in "Rigoletto" and many more. This extremely talented young soprano is a member of the Nikikai Opera in Japan.

A deluxe edition re-mastered and remixed for SACD surround sound from the original acclaimed recording made in 1999.

CD received glowing reviews and is in the Gramophone Best CDs and DVDs Yearbook.

Steve Davislim is a highly sought after Australian tenor based in Vienna who has established a stellar international career working with the most prestigious orchestras and conductors in Europe, the USA and Australia.

Davislim’s voice is full of colour and warmth and informed in every note by an all too rare combination of intelligence and imagination: “it’s almost enough to make you believe in God” St Petersburg Times.

Recording debut of Australian-born Simone Young, recognised as one of the leading conductors of her generation and Music Director of Hamburg State Opera.

First of a series of five CDs that Steve Davislim is making with Melba, including Schubert’s song-cycle Winterreise and the world premiere recording of Saint-Saëns’ 1-act opera Hélène.

CD notes by distinguished Strauss biographer Michael Kennedy.

Digipak with picture disc and 30-page colour booklet with essay and aria translations.