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![Wagner: Wesendonck-Lieder [Thomas Dausgaard, Nina Stemme, Swedish Chamber Orchestra] [BIS: BIS2022]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51tq5XDRm7L.__AC_SY300_SX300_QL70_ML2_.jpg)
![Strauss: Frau Ohne Schatten [Various] [Orfeo: C991203]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/7182ciLBlqL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
First of all, prospective buyers should completely ignore the comments elsewhere by MBR. The idea that the Wesendonck Lieder and the Idyll should not be on the same CD is laughable.
In fact, this should, I think, be in every Wagner enthusiasts' collection. It's a lovely recording technically, to start with, and - pace MBR - it's an interesting and imaginative programme. It's really fascinating to have both the early and the final version of the overture to the Dutchman, both taken at a briskish pace. (See below!) The Idyll certainly benefits from the chamber orchestra treatment, and the inclusion of the instrumental version of Traume (one of the Lieder) is very welcome. The other big plus is the Lieder themselves, and Nina Stemme's rich, expressive reading of them. That powerful but restrained delivery is quite beautiful backed by the chamber orchestra. I wouldn't want to be without the Astrid Varnay version, nor that of Cheryl Studer - but one really should have all three.
The only slight oddity on this record - and a track that I'll probably give a miss to on most playings - is the Prelude to The Mastersingers. Beautifully played - but taken at such a gallop that I can only assume that the conductor had an urgent appointment elsewhere.
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