Amazon.comAfter the first performance, in 1942, of Strauss's opera Capriccio--a "Conversation Piece for Music in One Act"--the teary-eyed composer remarked wistfully, "I can do no better." From the enchanting overture, in which the opera's material is condensed into a string sextet, this famous London 1958 performance with the all-star cast--Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Christa Ludwig, Eberhard Wachter--is completely engaging. Strauss refused offers to follow up Capriccio with another opera: "I can only make one testament." Wolfgang Sawallisch conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra. --Joshua Cody