“Ms. Van den Heever could sing with the most intensity in “All Soul’s Day” to a restrained “Dedication.” Hers is definitely a Strauss soprano. Her middle ranges were beautiful in themselves, yet she expressed the German words with true clarity. And when she reached the highest notes–and each of the five song had its apexes–one didn’t feel that this was a singer’s feat. The voice was part of the complete structure.”
ConcertoNet
“Richard Strauss’ works as performed by van den Heever on this particular night included: “Zueignung,” Op. 10, No. 1, “Wiegenlied,” Op. 41, No. 1, “Allerseelen,” Op. 10, No. 8, “Cäcilie,” Op. 27, No. 2, and “Befreit,” Op. 39, No. 4. Her voice’s earthy richness came to life during the opening phrase of “Zueignung” as she sang ‘Ja, du weisst es, teure Seele,’ (Yes, you know it, dearest soul) with sumptuous ease and delight. Her silvery upper register spun into the hall during the phrase ‘Und du segnetest den Trank,’ (And you blessed the drink). She showed extra care in between phrases ‘Und beschwörst darin die Bösen, Bis ich, was ich nie gewesen,’ (And you exorcised the evils in it, Until I, as I had never been before), as she drew a short breath between ‘Bis ich’ and ‘was ich nie gewesen.’ Subtle details such as this meant the world for listeners who were on the edge of their seats, taking breaths at the same time as she did, feeling everything she felt along the way. The concluding words of this piece, ‘Habe Dank’ (Have thanks), resonated beyond the walls of Carnegie Hall and into the ethereal. The audience applauded immediately”