Fassbaenders recording is the one that I worship the most. (I have to admit that I do not own Goerne/Brendel and Bostridge/Andsnes, maybe they will change my mind.) Fassbaenders dark voice seems to transport not only the unfathomable grief of the cycle but also the hidden anger. The recording vibrates with aggression, shock, disbelief, depression, sick fascination with ones own turmoil. Get your hands on this disc, Mitch. It will change your view of Winterreise. Fassbaender does not sing the cycle, she lives it. Yes, shocking is the right word. Robert