By coincidence I recently came across two performances of Hans Hotter singing Winterreise separated by nearly thirty years. Hearing these two performances, recorded at opposite ends of Hotter's career, is a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of an artist. It is also a testament to the longevity of Hotter's career as the 1976 performance reveals a voice that, although weathered, is still in excellent shape. That said, it is only natural that his interpretation would deepen over the years and though the 1947 performance is remarkable for its interpretive achievements (as well as vocal) the 1976 accounting is truly chilling.