Grand Tier - Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten

Richard Strauss became a master of the modern opera in his later years, paving the way for a great many works in the 20th century. This recording of 'Die Frau ohne Schatten' may serve to remind us why. This is a lesser known of Strauss' operas, with a mythical story based upon magic and symbolism, including a fair amount of psychological implications. Its odd plot based upon spirit beings pursuing their shadows and such will be of less interest to the listener than the stunning and intense music of Strauss. It is a mature mix of the extreme chromaticism and evolving tonic centers that grew from Wagner, with Strauss' signature tone poem evocations.
The strength of the work is thorough, and the moments too numerous to include, however "Trag ich die..." which ends Act I is a strikingly beautiful setting sung by the watchmen, and simple ideas such as changes of scene in Act II become memorable moments of musical sublimity. The performances from this live 1974 recording including Walter Berry and Christa Ludwig among others are outstanding, and nothing is lost for sound quality. It's simple to see why such a performance would be preserved and rereleased.

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