Song Prize - Final Nombulelo Yende, soprano (31, South Africa) - Simon Lepper, piano Strauss : "Befreit" Strauss : "Allerseelen" Barber : "Church bell at night" ( Hermit Songs ) Barber : "St. Ita's Vision" ( Hermit Songs ) Grieg : "Jeg elsker dig!" Quilter : "Love's Philosophy" Strauss : "Zueignung" The opposing ends of Yende's recital were above all, I think, mainly designed to show off the beauty of her voice, and there's no denying that beauty, it's a sumptuous instrument. However, it's a mistake to think of Strauss's songs merely as vehicles for a gorgeous soprano voice; in fact, that's the bare minimum, and you need a good deal more baggage to put them across properly. When "Befreit" began at a snail's pace, my heart sank. Lots of wallowing, almost static, and absolutely none of the luminous spirituality of the song. "Allerseelen" was not a great deal ...