The Dutch soprano Gré Brouwenstijn has long been held in the highest esteem within her own country and amongst a circle of vocal connoisseurs for the fearless vibrancy of her approach to the great hochdramatisch soprano roles, without ever compromising the standards and ideals of vocal beauty. Brouwenstijn made precious few recordings. This compilation of two studio sessions (from 1954 and 1956) catches her in her vocal prime. (Newton Classics)