‘Deserves to be enshrined as a classic’ (The New Yorker, USA)

‘19 tracks devoted to some of the greatest songs ever written’ (Classic CD)

‘Magnificent. Collectors of this series need not hesitate, and newcomers who try this volume are in serious danger of addiction’ (American Record Guide)

‘Superb … a disc to return to time and again’ (CDReview)

‘Fassbaender has never been in better form … I urge you to collect them all, not only for the genius of Schubert but also because they are an anthology of the finest singers of our time’ (Musical Opinion)

‘His keen insight and regard for the words illuminate these fascinating songs. Hard as it now is to find fresh words of praise for Graham Johnson's perceptive guidance, what will the reviewer have to resort to by the time this series reaches its conclusion?’ (Hi-Fi News)

‘An established and thoughtful interpreter of Schubert, one who sings German like a native’ (Gramophone)

‘Word painting and nuances are stunning and the singing mischievously delicious. The personality of the singer simply leaps from the disc’ (CDReview)

‘Yet another splendid instalment … she sings these varied poems with rapt intensity, beauty of tone and deep insight into the predicament of Scott's heroines’ (Hi-Fi News)

‘The readings, with Johnson's piano at its probing best, are constantly enlightening and carry the absorbed listener into a rarefied world of word and music. The disc lasts an incredible 80 minutes, but the time flies by in such perceptive company’ (Gramophone)

‘Many of the songs here, as on all the discs, are masterpieces, and wonder and gratitude are unabated’ (CDReview)

‘Exquisite’ (Daily Mail)