Sanderling's
Das Lied is supposed to be one of the best performances according to
this list, alongside the others that you named (although I would say Patzak / Ferrier / Walter is arguably the superior version. It is sadly let down by subpar recording with a bit too much treble and sounds rather thin. Ferrier was dying of cancer (she would die one year after this recording) and so she puts in a particularly heartfelt and heartbreaking rendition, particularly in
Der Abschied. She famously was so overcome that she could not finish the song.
Yes, I'm aware of Tony Duggan's surveys, and re-read it before posting when I was looking for the name of the contralto. I found Birgit Finnila disappointing in
Abschied. I don't find her up to the standards of the other singers mentioned (few are). I did enjoy Schreier's contribution, but if
Abschied is a letdown, I'm not going to revisit the recording.
No reservations about Sanderling's recording of the Mahler 10th, though, it's one of the best.
That Ferrier/Patzak/Walter is considered better than Miller/Haefliger/Walter is indeed the common received opinion, but it seems to be based on a moving narrative about the circumstances of the recording rather than the actual quality of singing (singers past their prime or ill), playing (VPO was pretty rough in that era), and sonics.
Das Lied collectors should have it, though perhaps as a 3rd or 4th recording.
