Eloquence R. Strauss: Lieder; Dance of the Seven Veils (Salome); Boito: Mefistofele (prologue) CD

Given Bernstein’s sheer sweep of the music of Richard Strauss (the ‘Salome’ excerpts are spine-tingling) it’s a pity he didn’t record any more. These precious recordings with Montserrat Caballe, are valuable not only for Bernstein’s advocacy of Strauss on record but also for the Spanish singer’s shimmering interpretations – girl-like in the opera, ravishing in the five orchestral songs. The coupling, the famous extended Prologue from Boito’s ‘Mefistofele’, complete with choral forces, is one of Bernstein’s most sought-after recordings and is done with all his characteristic élan. Long unavailable, this recording is restored to the catalogue at budget price.