Search - Schwarzkopf, Seefried & Fischer-Dieskau Sing Mahler, Richard Strauss & Schubert (EMI Classic Archive 21) on DVD

A review from Queensland, Australia.

V. J Swales | Queensland Australia | 07/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is a treasure. Elizabeth Schwarkopf is first heard in a selection from Der Rosenklavier. An arresting, captivating wonderful performance. Irmgard Seefried sings 5 of Strauss's songs, including "Morgen" & "Wiegenlied". Her beautiful voice,vocal technique & dancing eyes bring the songs vividly to life. Dietrich Fischer Dieskau performs 4 Mahler songs & a Bonus of 4 Schubert songs,including "An Die Musik" & "Im Fruhling". To listen & watch these performances is an experience full of joy. The quality of sound & picture is excellent. Subtitles & given text excellent. I am RAPT."

Deliciously Marvellous Dame Elisabeth as Marschallin

Nathan | Mt View CA USA | 03/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dame Elisabeth's portrayal of the Marschallin in the final 24 minutes of the first act of "Der Rosenkavalier" is absolutely stunning, and, IMO, surpasses even her performance in the color video of this opera with Karajan conducting. The phrase "ob ich in den Prater fahr'" is deliciously sung with an air of Viennese aristocracy. Too bad there is only this excerpt in the DVD, and one wonders how magical the final trio in the 3rd act would be like. In addition to this, there are performances of Seefried and Fischer-Dieskau singing well-known Strauss, Mahler and Schubert lieder (with orchestra and piano accompaniment)--giving a glimpse into the fine lieder singing of the era."

Seefried-- a revelation

jurinacrules | Connecticut, USA | 07/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is extraordinary. I am not a fan of Schwarzkopf in general, but there is no denying that the Rosenkavalier excerpt is beautifully done. Every word, every thought is there. About Fischer-Dieskau there is also little that needs to be said; it's as good as you'd expect. For me, though, the revelation on this disc, and the highlight, is Seefried. I have never seen film of her before, and words simply can't quantify how superb she is. Her face is so expressive, especially just BEFORE she sings a line, that each song, no matter how familiar it might be, takes on a sudden new meaning. And yet, though every single line gets this attention, the feeling is one of total spontaneity. I could write much more, but won't, except to say that I've never been a great fan of Seefried's before, and never quite got why she was so beloved. Now I understand why. I'm hooked!"

An Excellent Production with a Misleading Cover

BLee | HK | 10/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
Amazon.com does have reviewers with great taste.

But why is EMI making Schwarzkopf's photo the largest on the cover and Dieskau the smallest? That might due to the order of their appearance.

But in terms of the running time, or in view of the quality of the excerpts here, I wonder if the size of the photos should switch places. Here we are offered almost the best of Dieskau and only a small portion of the many achievements of Schwarzkopf. Is it due to the avialability of the footage which is so rare?

And in any event, I'm grateful to have sight of such clips."