Regina Resnik's recital disc reissued here was recorded in 1967 and 1968. It illuminates her consummate musicianship and dedication to her art. With conductor Richard Woitach at the piano, she creates track after track of immense beauty and interest. Resnik has always been a dramatic and thoughtful performer on the operatic stage; it is most refreshing to hear her sing small-scale works for voice and piano. Her command of language is particularly astute in the Russian selections of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, and in her Spanish set by Turina. She also sings her heart out in five Mahler songs, four of which are from 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn.' The fifth, "Hans und Grete," has a text by Mahler himself which contains a humorous allusion to the famous fairytale duo. Resnik's handling of this material is both touching and colorful, further emphasizing her vast artistic ability. The inclusion of an excerpt from Menotti's 'The Medium' with Resnik singing one of Madame Flora's arias about the old, scheming, now-repentant woman is a nice programmatic end to the disc. Resnik is able to conjure both scorn and compassion from the listener--not an easy feat.
