Search - Richard [1] Strauss, Andrew Davis, Sir Andrew Davis :: Ben Heppner Sings Richard Strauss

Heppner's glorious tenor in operatic Strauss

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't think of another recital of tenor arias from the oepras of Richard Strauss, but this one with Canadian forces is magnificent. Heppner was in best voice in 1994 appearing with the Toronto Sym. under its then-conductor Andrew Davis. Neither orchestra nor conductor are first-rate, but it hardly matters. Heppner soars over all challenges, in taxing arias ranging from extremely early Strauss--his first opera, the highly Wagnerian Guntram--to the late Daphne and Die Liebe der Danae.



Much of this music is obscure; most listeners will only recognize the famous Italin tenor's aria form the first act of Rosenkavalier. But Heppner makes it all worthwhile thanks to his unsurpased vocalism. Davis helps the pace by inserting four orchestral selections between the five long arias (the Guntram selection is 12 min., the one from Frau ohne Schatten 11 min.) For anyone who hasn't heard Heppner as the Emperor, this last is a great treat. The recorded sound is a bit too bright but not so much that listening is unpleasant. Overall, this unique album is one to be deeply grateful for."