Immerse yourself in the timeless artistry of Kirsten Flagstad with the iconic "Icon: Kirsten Flagstad" collection, a meticulously curated compilation of her most celebrated performances. Released on February 22, 2010, by Warner Classics, this 5-disc set spans a staggering 2 hours and 50 minutes, showcasing the extraordinary range and depth of Flagstad's vocal prowess.
This album is a treasure trove of classical and operatic masterpieces, featuring works by Handel, Bach (both Johann Sebastian and Carl Philipp Emanuel), Purcell, Gluck, Schubert, and Grieg, among others. Flagstad's renditions of arias from Handel's "Serse" and "Messiah," Bach's "Matthäus-Passion," and Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" are particularly noteworthy, highlighting her ability to convey profound emotion and technical brilliance.
Flagstad, renowned as one of the greatest Wagnerian sopranos of all time, delivers unforgettable performances of Grieg's songs, including "Solveig's Song" from "Peer Gynt" and "En Dröm" from "6 Songs, Op. 48." Her interpretations of Schubert's lieder, such as "Frühlingsglaube" and "Wandrers Nachtlied," are equally captivating, showcasing her versatility and sensitivity.
The "Icon: Kirsten Flagstad" collection is not just a testament to her vocal genius but also a historical document, capturing the essence of a bygone era of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Dive into the world of Kirsten Flagstad and discover why her legacy continues to inspire and enchant audiences worldwide.
Handel: Serse, HWV 40, Act 1, Scene 1: Arioso. "Ombra mai fù" (Serse)George Frideric Handel, Kirsten Flagstad, George Thalben-Ball, Philharmonia Orchestra, Warwick Braithwaite
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. 3, Scene 1: Aria. "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth"George Frideric Handel, Philharmonia Orchestra, Kirsten Flagstad, Warwick Braithwaite
Bach, JS: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 39, Aria. "Erbarme dich"Johann Sebastian Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Manoug Parikian, Geraint Jones, Philharmonia Orchestra, Walter Susskind
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: Recitative. "Thy Hand, Belinda" - Song. "When I Am Laid in Earth" (Dido)Henry Purcell, Kirsten Flagstad, Philharmonia Orchestra, Warwick Braithwaite
Orfeo ed Euridice: Che farò senza EuridiceChristoph Willibald Gluck, Kirsten Flagstad, Philharmonia Orchestra, Walter Susskind
Auf, auf mein Herz mit FreudeJohann Crüger, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Geh'ein, mein Leib, in deine KammerGeorg Böhm, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Bach, CPE: Geistliche Oden und Lieder I, Wq. 194: No. 34, Die Güte GottesCarl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Bach, CPE: Geistliche Oden und Lieder I, Wq. 194: No. 46, BussliedCarl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Bach, CPE: Passionslied, Wq. 202c/13Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Bach, CPE: Psalms, Wq. 196: No. 41, Psalm CXLVIII. "Preis sei dem Gotte Zebaoth"Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Bach, JS: Schemellis Musicalisches Gesang-Buch: Vergiss mein nicht, BWV 505Johann Sebastian Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Bach, JS: Schemellis Musicalisches Gesang-Buch: O finstre Nacht, wann wirst du doch vergeben, BWV 492Johann Sebastian Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Bach, JS: Schemellis Musicalisches Gesang-Buch: Liebster Herr Jesu, BWV 484Johann Sebastian Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Bach, JS: Schemellis Musicalisches Gesang-Buch: Komm, süsser Tod, BWV 478Johann Sebastian Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Bach, JS: Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach: No. 39, Choral. "Dir, dir, Jehova, will ich singen", BWV 299Johann Sebastian Bach, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Wie seh'ich dich, mein Jesu, blutenWolfgang Franck, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Sei nur stillWolfgang Franck, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Auf, auf! zu Gottes Lob!Wolfgang Franck, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
Soccorretemi ch'io moroGiacomo Carissimi, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore
O EwigkeitJohann Löhner, Kirsten Flagstad, Gerald Moore