Whilst I can appreciate why there are so many recordings of Strauss'
Four Last Songs it is astounding that there are comparatively few
recordings of Korngold's Abschiedslieder.

The Abschiedslieder are four grouped songs of farewell and death written
by Korngold when he was still in his 20s, and 25 years before Strauss
wrote the four last songs.  The tone of Korngold's cycle is warmer than
Strauss having a more gentle rapture and more smiling tone.  They are
not maudalin or hand-wringing, like the Strauss when they are performed
properly.  The Absciedlieder are also very diffult to sing and perform,
with an instruction from the composer in all but two of the 200 odd bars.

There are only two recordings of the orchestral version.  The world
premier recording is by Downes/BBC Philharmonic/Finnie on Chandos.  It
was recorded almost 70 years after they were written!  The recording is
beautifully warm and resonant.  The problem is Finnie's vibrato which
can be instrusive.  However I am impressed by Finnie's forward, open
tone and range of colours in response to the text.

I have not heard the second recording by Gigi Mitchell-Velasco on
the ASV label.  Reviews praise the sound of the recording and singer,
although her voice is said to be under strain a little in higher passages.

Korngold died in the early 50s thinking his music would be forgotten.
However, these songs should be regularly performed and recorded on the
basis that they are one of the great song cycles of Twentieth Century
music.  I strongly feel they deserve a wider audience and urge you to
give them a go (plus let us know what you think).

David Harbin
Nottingham, UK