The soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen has just released an album of Richard Strauss, two late works – the Four Last Songs and the Closing scene from the opera Capriccio. On this new Sony Classical release she's joined by the Gewandhausorchester and Andris Nelsons.
Gramophone
James Jolly caught up with Rachel by Zoom to talk repertoire and the allure of Strauss's vocal writing.
“La soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen ha grabado un monográfico Richard Strauss en Sony Classical dirigida por Andris Nelsons.”
Ritmo.es
“Mit ihrem vielseitigen Repertoire von Mozart bis Benjamin Britten gehört sie längst zur Oberklasse der Operndiven. Im Dlf sagt Rachel Willis-Sørensen: „Wenn wir mehr Soul in die Oper reinziehen könnten, wäre es besser für alle Beteiligten.”
Deutschlandfunk
"...man könnte der Sängerin bei ihren fein ziselierten Betrachtungen ewig lauschen."
APA
“Her lower register is dark, smokey and mysterious, with the top of her voice strong, sturdy and shining.”
Hyde Park Herald
“Debuting in this role, American soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen was a revelation. Her rich spinto voice was ideally suited to the role. Hers is a beautiful voice with natural trills, and easily recognizable within seconds. Watch out for this woman, as she will go far..."
ConcertoNet
Rachel Willis-Sørensen is the featured guest on Das on NDR. She speaks about her career and new album, “Strauss: Four Last Songs.”
Das! NDR