How can one decide between Lisa della Casa's many recordings of Strauss' Arabella? After all, she recorded the work twice for major labels -- this 1957 Decca recording with Solti conducting and a 1963 DG recording with Keilberth conducting -- and, beyond that, there are half a dozen or so extant live recordings. But of course, when you want a recording of Arabella, it has to have Lisa della Casa in the title role. With her voice of pure gold, her technique of absolute effortlessness, and her portrayal of enormous compassion ...
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How can one decide between Lisa della Casa's many recordings of Strauss' Arabella? After all, she recorded the work twice for major labels -- this 1957 Decca recording with Solti conducting and a 1963 DG recording with Keilberth conducting -- and, beyond that, there are half a dozen or so extant live recordings. But of course, when you want a recording of Arabella, it has to have Lisa della Casa in the title role. With her voice of pure gold, her technique of absolute effortlessness, and her portrayal of enormous compassion, she is by common agreement the role's finest interpreter. So how does one decide?Let's say that for reasons of sonic quality, we put aside the half dozen or so extant live recordings and stick just with the two major-label productions. What are the arguments for the Decca? Della Casa is younger, stronger, and more supple. Solti is colorful, powerful, and very dramatic. The Wiener Philharmoniker is brilliant, beautiful, and very virtuosic. The rest of the cast ranges from good to...
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