Phyllis Curtin was a soprano's soprano—never a global celebrity, but deeply admired by those who valued her voluptuous tone, unshakable technique, and, above all, the intelligence she brought to every performance. This recording of the Four Last Songs captures her at her vocal peak, meeting Strauss's formidable demands with grace and strength, while imbuing the text with a sense of intimacy more often found on the recital stage.

Her rendition of "Im Abendrot" is especially memorable for the way she shapes each word, finding expressive value even in the consonants, turning language into pure musical line. Since the Four Last Songs are relatively brief, Act II of Tosca has been included as a bonus, featuring Curtin alongside Franco Corelli. Though stylistically divergent, the pairing reveals Curtin's remarkable versatility and the singular quality of her artistry.