RITA STREICH: Waltzes & Arias [CD de audio] Rita Streich, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Johann Strauss, Delibes, Meyerbeer, S

Russian-born soprano Rita Streich, also known as the Vienna Nightingale, was a much admired singer of the post-World War II era who made many popular recordings. Her bright, pearlescent voice was a light coloratura, and her repertoire included many lieder, as well as operas by Mozart, and also classical Viennese operetta. Rita Streich's naturally vivacious and charming personality is reflected in this charming collection of diverse light musical snacks which is drawn from her immensely popular recordings of the 1950s. She was skilled in several languages and so well equipped to sing this eclectic mix of vocal waltzes, songs and arias from operas, opéras comique and operettas, showcasing her range of vocal abilities, from her effortless coloratura to her sweet, melting way with a melody. The collection includes some old favorites, less familiar pieces, and some rarities. There are beautiful vocal waltzes such as Johann Strauss's Spring Voices, Meyerbeer's Shadow Song and Luigi Arditi's Parla Waltz, light melodies such as Delibes's Les filles de Cadix, Saint-Saëns' beautiful Le rossignol et la rose and Verdi's lovely Lo spazzocamino. There are also rarer pieces by lesser-known composers, such as the song Villanelle de Dell'Aqua, the Tarantella Chi sa? by Czernik and an aria from the opera Jocelyn by Benjamin Godard. She delights the ear from start to finish. Highly recommended, this true original. --Gramophone