The late Arleen Auger sings the Four Last Songs very touchingly, but this disc is really a showcase for Andr� Previn and the Vienna Philharmonic. Previn has always been a fine Strauss conductor, and he is on record as saying that the four-disc set of Strauss tone poems that he recorded for Telarc is his personal favorite among his many recordings. It's easy to see why. The playing is alive with character. Previn keeps matters moving smartly, and Telarc lets nothing come between the listener and this magnificent orchestra. Strauss, for all his skill as a dramatic composer, has a weak sense of musical timing. He frequently never knew when to stop. With playing of this quality, you almost wish he never would. --David Hurwitz