"Schubert is, for me, the climax of the meeting between words and music, and this creates at the same time both the simplicity and the difficulties in his songs." – Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, who died this past Friday at the age of 86, was the most recorded singer – classical or otherwise – of all time. And, for good reason: anyone that's ever heard one of his recordings – or was lucky enough to hear him live – knows how he could completely embody the lyrics of a song by Schubert, Wolf, Brahms, or Mahler. I personally grew up listening to his recordings, and while I can't tell you specifically what make Fischer-Dieskau great, I know that he was simply the best there ever was, or ever will be.
If you're not familiar with his music, do yourself a favor and become so.