Brahms: Lieder (includes Gestillte Sehnsucht Geistliches Wiegenlied)
These are sumptuous readings of lieder by Brahms. Jessye Norman's interpretation of this selection is personal, warm, and emphatic. All of the songs are delightful, and some--"Wie Melodien zicht es mir," "Die Mainacht," and the two melodies for viola and piano--are unforgettably vivid. Brahms the formalist is audible, but this recording clearly emphasizes Brahms the high romantic.--Joshua Cody