Laws of Solitude. Strauss: Four Last Songs

Opulent and expressive, versatile and technically flawless, Asmik Grigorian’s voice was seemingly born to sing Richard Strauss’ soaring Four Last Songs. The German composer’s achingly beautiful orchestral songs, steeped in nostalgic wistfulness, were completed in 1948 in the twilight of his years. They’re among Strauss’ finest achievements and are generally regarded as a rite of passage for aspiring sopranos. They’re tricky to pull off successfully, however—the solo voice has to move fluidly in and out of Strauss’ textures: one moment a soloist, the next a member of the orchestra. Grigorian’s is a majestic presence, but she never overplays her role—the result is a strident performance that allows Strauss’ filigree details to shine forth brightly as ever. Conductor Mikko Franck works wonders with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France (as do the recording engineers). Hearing these songs, then, arranged for piano and soprano was always going to be a little underwhelming, particularly when Strauss’ dynamic contrasts almost always go hand in hand with breathtaking switches in instrumentation. And in “Beim Schlafengehen” (“When Falling Asleep”), the sustained line of the violin solo is taken by an instrument whose notes fade as soon as they’re struck. But Grigorian and pianist Markus Hinterhäuser are a terrific pairing, and bring a haunting intimacy to these sublime miracles.