One of the greatest and finest Mozart, Wagner and R. Strauss sopranos and one of the purest voices... A must!

The strange thing about Gundula Janowitiz's voice is that it is celestial in a way no other singer quite achieves ... at least with a voice of comparable size. The upside is that you look forward to hearing this soprano and can hardly wait for her to sing in her uniquely clarion high range with those notes that are the vocal equivalent of magnesium flares lighting up in the night. Well, those aren't easily captured in live performances. And, as her voice loses volume in the lower range, a lot of interest that might be there isn't readily heard in live situations when miking is a little distant. So, you'll be happy to hear this magnificent voice in live and at times vital moments,. But you'll turn to your studio recordings to continue to hear her radiance at its best.

This CD shows the full range of Janowitz's incredible voice. Not only was her voice beautiful but it was so very expressive without stooping to histrionics or melodrama. The CD shows that she was not only able to grace a full spectrum of periods and styles with that perfect voice but could also surpass many Verdi, Puccini and Wagner sopranos in giving exquisite performances. Her performances of Richard Strauss and Mozart cannot be beaten. My only criticism of this CD is that it does not have any of her performances of Baroque music. Her purity of voice suited Baroque music perfectly and stands out even though the research into Baroque performance style had only just begun when her recordings were made.

Wonderful Gundula. But Attila doesn't suit her at all!!!

Great having these live recordings of a much loved artist