Lieder anyone?

Since we’re mentioning singers, I’d say that Gerard Souzay is one of my favorites. I like Fischer-Deskau but prefer Souzay’s tone. 

Nothing better than Wintereisse with Deskau !

I totally agree that Ellie Ameling is great , a voice as clear as a mountain spring .

I’m very frustrated when it comes to lieder.  They can be listened to for the beauty of the music, but that’s only half the picture.  A lied  is  comprised of  music AND words. It’s an artistic entity in which the words have to be a part. Since lieder by virtue of the name are in German, one must read the words in translation when listening. It takes some effort to do this which I’m not always willing to put in. 
So when I just listen to lieder I know I’m missing out on that vital union of words and music.  
The  music and singing by itself can be quite beautiful, but I always feel I’m missing out on the total experience.

Normal for a 1st class musician which rv is .

I have heard the same thing more or less from 20 Germans in one of the best orchestras in Germany .

I would think it be even worse for those doing solos.

Also, I agree that knowing the language really helps !

At one time I dreamt in German and most Germans thought I was a German .

Now , over a decade not speaking it and old age takes much away from me , esp.in Bach Cantatas . It hurts .

There's a recording of Beethoven lieder by Matthias Goerne on DG that I like quite a bit.