Ewa Wolak (contralto), Warsaw Philharmonic Choir, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra/Antoni Wit Naxos 8.572694****

What is it with Brahms's Alto Rhapsody? It's a wonderful piece, unique in its colouring, and it's been recorded by any number of great singers. Here in Ireland, however, it hardly ever shows up in concert, and has been neglected for decades by our professional orchestras. Polish contralto Ewa Wolak is a powerful, focused advocate, well supported by the men of the Warsaw Philharmonic Choir. And the brooding quality of the Rhapsody – the text is from Goethe's Journey to the Harz Mountains in Winter– underlines the sombre atmosphere that prevails in other works here, the Song of Destiny, Song of the Fates, Funeral Hymn, and Nänie, which opens "Beauty too must die!" Antoni Wit commands the steadiness and breadth that's required to bring these extraordinary pieces to life. iti.ms/zbKQ32