Brahms, Johannes/Schubert, Franz: Fischer-Dieskau & Richter perform... (BBC Legends Audio CD)

Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, tenor
Sviatoslav Richter, piano

Recorded: 18th Aldeburgh Festival, 20 June 1965 (Brahms), Maltings, Snape, 8 June 1972 (Schubert)

Dietrich Fischer Dieskau (born 1925) was one of the world's leading Lieder singers and his partnership here with such legendary pianists as Sviatoslav Richter and Benjamin Britten only goes to support the special status he had with fellow musicians and collectors. With both Richter and Britten, Fischer-Dieskau appeared many times in concert together. Brahms's Romanzen aus 'Die schone Magelone' Op. 33, a tale by Ludwig Tieck is about the tale of Peter (a knight) and the beautiful Magelone which involves evil forces at work, Peter's adventures and escape from a Moorish country, and eventual re-union.

Sviatoslav Richter was a most accomplished performer of art-song and his assertive presence, though never dominating the singer, is always there. Fischer-Dieskau's Aldeburgh Festival performance of the Brahms took place in 1965 when both the singer and Richter were at the height of their artistry. His EMI recording took place five years later in 1970 in Munich.

The popular Schubert songs from 1972 with Benjamin Britten formed part of a disc with Peter Pears and other artists which was issued before as part of the Britten the Performer series. All the CDs from this series were deleted a number of years ago so a selection of Schubert Lieder makes a welcome re-appearance in a completely new re-mastering by Tony Faulkner.