The Dutch soprano Gré Brouwenstijn has long been held in the highest esteem within her own country, and within a circle of vocal connoisseurs, for the fearless vibrancy of her approach to the great hochdramatisch soprano roles, without ever compromising the standards and ideals of vocal beauty: hers is a voice of great strength and flexibility, fully able to meet the challenge of projecting both the scale and drama of Wagner’s heroines while also inhabiting their more intimate confessions.

Brouwenstijn made precious few recordings – most of what is left to us now derives from private tapes or radio archives of live performances – but this compilation of two studio sessions (from 1954 and 1956) catches her in her vocal prime.

The big numbers from Wagner’s early dramas (Tannhäuser, Lohengrin, Der fliegende Holländer) are included, as well as Wagner’s own leaping-off points in Beethoven (‘Ah, perfido!’) and Weber (Der Freischütz). To finish, there’s a selection of mature Verdi, including ‘Tu che la vanità’ (Don Carlo) and ‘Pace, pace, mio Dio!’ (La forza del destino).

This is an unmissable release for anyone in love with the art of the soprano voice.

Track Listing:
Ludwig van Beethoven
1. Ah, perfido! Op.65

Carl Maria von Weber
Der Freischütz
2. Wie nahte mir der Schlummer…Leise, leise, fromme Weise

Richard Wagner
Tannhäuser
3. Dich, teure Halle, grüß’ ich wieder
4. Allmächt’ge Jungfrau, hör mein Flehen!
Lohengrin
5. Einsam in trüben Tagen
Der fliegende Holländer
6. Johohoe! Traft ihr das Schiff im Meere an

Giuseppe Verdi
Don Carlo
7. Tu che le vanità
Il trovatore
8. Timor di me…D’amor sull’ali rosee
La forza del destino
9. Son giunta! Grazie, o Dio!
10. Pace, pace, mio Dio!