Adelaide [Import]

1. Excusez-Moi

2. Adelaide

3. Un Premier Amour

4. Deux Enfents Au Solei

5. Allez Allez La Vie

6. L'eternite Picasso

7. Des Cornouailles A L'oural

8. Berlin

9. Les Singers

10. Le Plat Pays

11. Tout Le Monde Y Pense

12. New York Usa

13. Que Serais- Je Sans Toi

14. Paris Canaille

15. Ma Plus Belle Histoire D'amour

16. Les Prenoms De Paris

17. Aimer

Tracks:

Applause
Adelaide, Op. 46
Frulingsglaube, D686 (Op. 2 No. 2)
Die Forelle, D 550
Standchen, D957/Op. Posth. No. 4
Die Bose Farbe, D795/Op. 25 No. 17
Traum Durch Die Dammerung, Op. 29 No. 1
Cacilie, Op. 27 No. 2
Standchen, Op. 106 No. 1
Il Mio Tesoro
Amor Ti Vieta
Flower Song (From 'La Fleur Que Tu M'Avais Jetee')
Encore: The Dream 'Instant charmant; En Fermant Les Yeux'
The Swan, Op. 25 No. 2
The Dream, Op. 48 No. 6
Diamond On The March Snow, Op. 36 No. 6
Rushes, Whisper, Op. 36 No. 4
Black Roses, Op. 36 No. 1
Enocre: Visions
Addo Alla Madre
Encore: Ideale
E Lucevan Le Stelle
Encore: L'Alba Separa Della Luce Ombra
Encore: Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Encore: 'Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio'
Encore: 'Che Gelida Manina'

Amazon.com

Before there were the Three Tenors there was Jussi Björling, the great Swedish tenor who died in 1960 at the age of 49. His bright, sunny tone had a slight, emotion-laden tear in it that conveyed feeling as well as, or more than, any number of sobs and effects that other tenors use. His Carnegie Hall recital of September 24, 1955 has long been available; in addition, this CD features nine never-before released selections from that recital which either did not fit on the original LP or were omitted for some other reason. He can sing at any dynamic level, the voice is always secure, and his taste and musicianship, as always, are impeccable. I doubt we'll ever hear Tosti's Ideale sung more tenderly or "Che gelida manina" sung with such poetic abandon; the newly discovered Grieg, Sibelius, and Sjoberg songs are sung with an opera singer's--rather than a Lieder singer's--style, but it's doubtful anyone will complain. Björling fans should race to hear this; for those who came to opera after his heyday (or during the reign of other tenors), this will be a stunning ear-opener. A must have. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent.......2005-09-02

Some years ago I met an elderly gentleman who'd served as a co-pilot on a B-24 bomber during WWII. During a raid on a North German site their aircraft was badly damaged and they were forced to crash-land it in Sweden. The shaken but uninjured crew was picked up by the Swedish authorities and immediately interred (Sweden being a neutral country). They were sent to a dreadful and notorious Swedish internment camp--the largest and lushest hotel in Stockholm--and given something of an expense account. It just happened to be the same hotel where Jussi Bjorling had his digs.

Through a variety of happenings, the vet ended up befriending Bjorling, who he described to me as "one hell of a nice guy" and they became drinking buddies. He and his fellow aviators had front row seats at any and all recitals and apparently became society figures in cultured Stockholm. To my wonder and astonishment, this old Regular Joe fellow, no opera fan before Sweden, told me he was the guy who taught Jussi Bjorling the song "Pistol Packin' Mama." Now wouldn't we all pay good money to have heard him sing that!!

There's nothing more terrific than a great voice attached to a great guy who'd sit and drink with downed aviators and happily learn their favorite pop songs. This disc of music is as wonderful as the guy who recorded it.

"Bjorling".......2005-01-05

In a word - superb. This brings to mind the review of Bjorling's RCA LP "Bjorling in Opera" by Stereo Review's critic George Jellinek, shortly after it's release in 1959, which he ended by saying "highly recommended, especially for other tenors".

Frederick's Understatement........2004-12-22

It was 50 years ago that I met and fell in love with
the accompanist at the voice studio where I studied
for love of singing (i.e., mine was a modest voice).
She in turn introduced me to some of the great singers
then active, or who came through, Chicago. And also, her
own teachers and colleagues, including Dr. Rudolf Ganz and
Frederick Schauwecker. One day, when the topic of melody
came up, Dr Ganz suggested that all piano students should
hear Jussi Bjoerling deliver legato melody. And when Lynn
asked Mr. Shauwecker, who little praised anyone, even a client,
how Jussi did on the trip they were just back from, she was
astonished to hear him grudgingly admit that "Jussi is singing
like an angel. It can't possibly continue at such a level, even
for him." It didn't. As we found out a couple of weeks later
when we heard this recital live, it didn't "continue", it got
better. At the time I found it the greatest listening experience
of my life. Today, 50 years later, it still is. Whatever vocal
records you have by anyone, this is better. There are no equals.
"Like an angel" is one of Frederick's understatements.

Remastering is not perfect.......2004-07-20

This CD is a recording of one Carnegie Hall recital on September 24, 1955. Many composers are represented, including Beethoven, Mozart, Bizet, Grieg and Sibelius to name a few. There is even a Stephen Foster - Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair. The accompanying literature has all the lyrics.

Jussi Bjorling is obvious a tenor in top form, but this recording forty years later omits the higher overtones of his voice. Nevertheless, this is a recording of the highest caliber that does justice to this talented man who died too young.

THE ultimate singing voice.......2004-05-22

This live concert cd contains some of the most fantastic singing ever by a human being and that goes both for the lyric and the dramatic repertoire. Why RCA have denied us this fabulous sound for all these years really beats me. I have long cherished Bjoerlings Troubadour recording with RCA, but compared to the Bjoerling sound on this cd, his Manrico sounds like a light Wiener Sänger. The sound on this cd is simply the most ravishing sound I have ever heard.

Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen

Average customer rating:

the best endorsement possible
Great recording
Wunderlich was stupendous!
One of the greatest
Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen

Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: Die Schöne Müllerin, 3 Lieder / Fritz Wunderlich
Very Best of
Fritz Wunderlich: Great German Tenor
Schubert: Die Winterreise / Fischer-Dieskau
Great Recordings Of The Century - Schubert: Die Schone Mullerin / Fischer-Dieskau, Moore

ASIN: B000001GXG
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

Dichterliebe op. 48: Im wundersch Monat Mai (In the marvellous month of May)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Aus meinen Trn spriessen (From my tears there spring)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube, die Sonne (The rose, the lily, the dove, the sun)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Wenn ich in deine Augen seh' (When I gaze into your eyes)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Ich will meine Seele tauchen (I long to sink my soul)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Im Rhein, im heiligen Strome (The Rhine, the holy river)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Ich grolle nicht (I do not complain)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Und w's die Blumen, die kleinen (If only the flowers could know)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Das ist ein Fl und Geigen (There is fluting and fiddling)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Hich das Liedchen klingen (When I hear the sound of the song)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Ein Jg liebt ein Mhen (A lad loves a girl)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen (On a gleaming morning in summer)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Ich hab' im Traum geweinet (I wept in my dreams)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Allntlich im Traume seh' ich dich (All night in dreams I see you)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Aus alten Mhen winkt es (From old tales someone waves)
Dichterliebe op. 48: Die alten, b Lieder (The old and evil songs)
WoO 123: Zartliche Liebe (Gentle Love)
op. 46: Adelaide
WoO 149: Resignation
op. 128: Der Kuss (The Kiss)
D 891: An Silvia (Who is Silvia?)
D 360: Lied eines Schiffers an die Dioskuren ( Sailor's Song to the Dioscuri)
Liebhaber in allen Gestalten (A Lover in Any Guise)
D 800: Der Einsame (The Solitary)
D 799: Im Abendrot (In the Evening Glow)
D 957 no. 4: Stchen (Serenade)
D 905: An die Laute (To his Lute)
D 764: Der Musensohn (Son of the Muses)
D 547: An die Musik (To Music)

Customer Reviews:

the best endorsement possible.......2007-03-26

The best endorsement possible for this performance is that it is apparently what Juan Diego Florez has on his ipod to listen to during long plane trips. If it is that appreciated by Florez, it has to be marvelous.

Great recording.......2006-11-10

Hardly anyone I talk to has even heard of Fritz Wunderlich, and that's sad. His interpretation of these wonderful Lieder by Schumann, Schubert, and Beethoven is simply one of the best out there - right up there with Fischer-Dieskau and Ameling. His range of expression is as impressive as his technique, bringing something unique to each of the songs on this recording and on his recording of "Die Schoene Muellerin." To quote the music history professor who introduced me to his work, "I think Fritz Wunderlich really 'got it.'" Anyone who can make "Adelaide" seem profound even after countless recordings is someone worth listening to.

Buy this CD.

Wunderlich was stupendous!.......2004-12-28

Fritz Wunderlich gives as moving a performance of these lieder as you will ever hear. Wunderlich's voice is powerful, yet supple and at times melancholy. It's hard to pick out highlights, because everything is so good, but Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube, die Sonne, brief as it is, is simply marvelous. When he sings Ich grolle nicht it is infused with a pathos and yearning that is peerless. This is a must have disc if you love Schumann, Tenors, Lieder, or Music...

One of the greatest.......2004-07-19

Fritz Wunderlich sings with a truly marvelous voice and an impeccable diction. His short life (he died at age 36, however, certainly did not allow him to reach full musical maturity in some of his interpretations. His youthful voice suits the Beethoven songs the best-`Adelaide' stands among the best I have ever heard in recording. His version of Dichterliebe, although also extremely musical and equally moving, lacks of a bit of the detail and subtlety we find in, for example, the Fischer-Dieskau recordings-arguably among the best. We must consider that Wunderlich, contrary to Fischer Dieskau for instance, sings most of these pieces in its original key, which also makes the experience of listening to this CD one of the best ever. This recording gives me the impression that Wunderlich's voice would surpass any other Beethoven, Schubert or Schumann could have ever dreamt of!

Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen.......2002-03-17

The cycle of the Poet's love is most probably the greatest and most difficult one to interpret. Each melody is asking from the singer and the pianist equal amount of musical imagination (as later on with Hugo wolf cycles.) Here, Wunderlich sings with such subtleties that it seems as natural as he would speak or read out loud. The words are integrated into the music and the accents help the listener to follow the music and the poems as a whole story instead of considering each melody as a seperate entity. These accents are not cold but beautifully musical sustained by H. Giesen at the piano. His warm voice is an enormous plus in this version and each sound is in place, like breathing is a necessity.

Average customer rating:

Learning About Love While Yearning
Great !
Number one
she believes the hype
Lovely voice, lovely songs

The Broadway Album

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Back to Broadway
The Movie Album
Barbra Streisand - Greatest Hits
Yentl (1983 Film)
The Third Album

ASIN: B00000264K
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Putting It Together
If I Loved You
Something's Coming
Not While I'm Around
Being Alive
I Have Dreamed/We Kiss In A Shadow/Something Won..
Adelaide's Lament
Send In The Clowns
Pretty Women/The Ladies Who Lunch
Can't Help Lovin' That Man
I Loves You Porgy/Porgy, I's Your Woman Now...
Somewhere

Amazon.com

As its title indicates, this 1985 recording marked Barbra Streisand's return to her Broadway roots (significantly, she had dropped her pop-period Guilty perm and returned to straight hair). The CD contains a broad selection of show tunes, from Guys and Dolls's "Adelaide's Lament" to Sweeney Todd's "Not While I'm Around." But let's face it: this may also be one of Babs's most dated albums, due to typically '80s synthesizer-heavy arrangements that simply don't work with the material. Company's "Being Alive" is scarred by a preening alto sax, while West Side Story's "Something's Coming" features what sounds suspiciously like syndrums. But--and it's a pretty big "but"--Streisand sounds more buttery than ever ("Send in the Clowns" may be one of her finest '80s moments), so much so that she often manages to overcome the cheesy production. Now that's a singer. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Learning About Love While Yearning.......2007-06-09

C. Kenneth Burkholder, who via an understanding was at the time of the original release of this was Barbra's prospectve father-in-law and whose death has occurred, said of this "If I Loved You", "That's nice." The tragicomic rendition of part of Adelaide fascinatingly points out some dangers of stripping for pay.
Just past the beginning of creating "What Times Are," a musical by (a) pacifist(s) as well as an adaptation of my play "What Time Is It, Neil Armstrong?," which is a sequel to my novel "How Did That Sun Get Out," I am inspired by the yearning apparent in "The Broadway Album"--a yearning not for perfection but for worthwhile ways for people all over the earth and in space to spend time.

Great !.......2007-02-27

I bought the CD to replace my worn-out cassette tape, and I was pleased to find it has one more track -- Adelaide's Lament -- which I enjoyed. Nice to have another comic song to balance out the love songs. She brings out the beauty of these lovely tunes.

Number one .......2007-02-05

Barbra is the number one female ballad singer of all time. No one has her range of feeling, the sheer lyric power of her voice, her sometimes exaggerated but often poignant power to dramatically express feeling. She can create the chill down the spine with a small trill or with a wild unexpected crescendo. 'Broadway' is her first home, and acting a song as she sings it comes natural to her.
This is one of her finest albums.

she believes the hype.......2006-10-12

This is from the big-shot who thinks she can control a political party and tell fans what to think about issues despite being a high-school dropout. She's a good singer, but not the best. She basically needs to shut the eff up and sing. Hey, those are her words, right?

Lovely voice, lovely songs.......2006-08-02

This album contains the choicest of Broadway hits given an outstanding interpretation by the Streisand. Barbra's flawless voice moves up and down with ease as the melodies unfold. Perfect!

Average customer rating:

A Major Document of an Incredible Oeuvre...

Schubert: Lieder

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AYQCIK
Release Date: 2005-12-13

Customer Reviews:

A Major Document of an Incredible Oeuvre..........2007-03-12

.
Of over 600 songs, Fischer-Dieskau and Gerald Moore realized over three-quarters: these are those. Gerald Moore was of course as important to this project as Fischer-Dieskau.

DGG's sound is excellent.

This set is a remarkable document of art.
.

Average customer rating:

The 20th Century Maestros (Box Set)

Manufacturer: History
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Allegramente - Bernstein
Adagio Assai - Bernstein
Presto - Bernstein
Prophecy - Bernstein
Profanation - Bernstein
Lamentation - Bernstein
Solo - Bernstein
Pas De Deux - Bernstein
Pas De Trois - Bernstein
Coda - Bernstein
Allegro Con Brio - Kubelik
Adagio - Kubelik
Allegretto Grazioso - Kubelik
Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Kubelik
The Moldau - Smetana
Hakon Jarl - Smetana
Molto Allegro - Von Karajan
Andante - Von Karajan
Menuetto Allegretto - Von Karajan
Presto - Von Karajan
Adagio - Von Karajan
Allegro Con Grazia - Von Karajan
Allegro Molto Vivace - Von Karajan
Finale Adagio Lamentoso Andante - Von Karajan
Allegro Non Troppo - Celibidache
Andante Moderato - Celibidache
Allegro Giocosco - Cilibidache
Allegro Energico - Celibidache
Overture - Celibidache
March - Celibidache
Variations - Celibidache
Trepak - Celibidache
Danse Arabe - Celibidache
Danse Chinose - Celibidache
Danse De Mirlitons - Celibidache
Valse Des Fleurs - Celibidache
Largo E Maestoso - Dorati
Lento - Dorati
Andantino Quasi Allegretto - Dorati
Allegro Molto - Dorati
Allegro Molto Moderato - Dorati
Adagio - Dorati
Allegro Moderato Molto E Marcato - Dorati
Andante Allegro Con Anima - Fricsay
Andante Cantabile Con Alcuna Licenza - Fricsay
Valse Allegro Moderato - Fricsay
Finale Andante Maestoso - Fricsay
Rosen Aus Dem Suden - Fricsay
Wiener Blut - Fricsay
Un Poco Sostenuto Allegro - Bohm
Andante Sostenuto - Bohm
Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso - Bohm
Adagio Piu Andante Allegro Ma Non Troppo Ma Con Brio - Bohm
Overture Der Fliegende Hollander - Bohm
Ouvertue Le Nozze Di Fiigaro - Bohm
Allegro Moderato - Jochum
Allegro Sehr Feierlich Und Sehr Langsam - Jochum
Scherzo Bewegt - Jochum
Finale Bewegt Doch Nicht Zu Schnell - Jochum
Allegro Affetuoso - Steinberg
Intermezzo Andantino Grazioso - Steinberg
Allegro Vivace - Steinberg
Allegro Moderato - Steinberg
Canzonetta (Andante) - Steinberg
Finale Allegro Vivacissimo - Steinberg
Allegro Brillante E Molto Vivace - Kondrashin
Andante Non Troppo - Kondrashin
Allegro Con Fuoco - Kondrashin
Allegro Man Non Troppo - Kondrashin
Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Kondrashin
Finale Allegro Giocoso Ma Non Troppo - Kondrashin
Komm SuBer Tod BWV 478 - Stokowski
Adagio (From Taccata) Adagio And Fugue In C - Stokowski
Mein Jesu Was Fur Ein Seelenweh Bwv 487 - Stokowski
Es Ist Vollbracht - Stokowski
A Night On The Bare Mountain - Stokowski
Romeo And Juliet Fantasy Overture - Stokowski
Tanz Der Sieben Schleier - Stokowski
No 1 - Stokowski
No 3 - Stokowski
Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Ormandy
Intermezzo Adagio - Ormandy
Finale Alle Breve - Ormandy
Andante Ma Non Troppo Allegro Energico - Ormandy
Andante - Ormandy
Scherzo Allegro - Ormandy
Finale Quasi Una Fantasia - Ormandy
Adagio Allegro Molto - Szell
Largo - Szell
Molto Vivace - Szell
Allegro Con Fuoco - Szell
Allegro Non Troppo - Szell
Scherzando - Szell
Andante - Szell
Rondo - Szell
An Der Schonen Blauen Donau - Szell
Allegro Maestoso - Barbirolli
Romance Larghetto - Barbirolli
Rondo Vivace - Barbirolli

Album Description

German digitally remastered box-set features one disc apiece from some of the 20th century's greatest composers including, Arturo Toscanini, Leopold Stokowski, Herbert Von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, Otto Klemperer, Eugene Ormandy & many more. 20 slimline

Average customer rating:

Wonderful, but just SOME of the very best of Nicolai Gedda
Excellent compilation
Nicolai Gedda . . . the 4th tenor

The Very Best of Nicolai Gedda
Nicolai Gedda , Adolphe Adam , Ludwig van Beethoven , Vincenzo Bellini , Hector Berlioz , Georges Bizet , Gaetano Donizetti , Friedrich von Flotow , Mikhail Glinka , and Karl Goldmark
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

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Nicolai Gedda - French and Russian Arias & Songs
The Very Best of Giuseppe di Stefano
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli

ASIN: B0000A1WP3
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Pourquoi Me Reveiller
Instant Charmant...En Ferment Les Yeux
L'Amour, L'Amour!...Ah! Leve-Toi Soleil
Une Heure Encore...La Gloire Etait Ma Seule Idole
Va, Pour Kleinzach!
Zurga, Quand Tous Deux...Au Fond Du Temple Saint
A Cette Voix...Je Crois Entendre Encore
La Fluer Que Tu M'Avais Jetee
Mes Amis, Ecoutez L'Histoire
Elle Ne Croyait Pas Dans Sa Candeur Naive
Asile Hereditaire - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Quanto E Bella
Una Furtiva Lagrima
Fra Poco A Me Ricovero
Prendi: L'Anel Ti Dono
Di' Tu Se Fedele
La Donna E Mobile
Donna Non Vidi Mai

Tracks:

Il Mio Tesoro
Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
Ach, So Fromm
In Fernem Land
Magische Tone
Kuda, Kuda, Kuda Vi Udalilis (Lenski's Aria)
Dimitri! Tsaryevich! Dimitri!
Souvenir
O Moonlight Night
At The Ball
Don Juan's Serenade
O Cease Thy Singing, Maiden Fair
How Fair This Spot
Adelaide Op. 46
Heimliche Aufforderung, Op. 27, No. 3
Strandchen, Op. 17, No. 2
Als Flotter Geist...Ja, Das Alles Auf Ehr'
Gern Hab' Ich Die Frau'n Gekusst
Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but just SOME of the very best of Nicolai Gedda.......2005-07-03

This is but a subset of the glorious recorded singing by Nicolai Gedda; however, it is a good sampler of the repertoire that made him legendary. And, at least a couple of the tracks ("Asile Hereditaire" and Lenski's aria) seem to be his best recordings of those particular works. Gedda is a member of a small circle of famed tenors noted for disciplined and artistic vocal production. He could find and consistently produce the "ping" we all love to hear. And, that was necessarily accompanied by flawless breath control. He holds the last note of the rousing "Hereditaire" for approximately eleven seconds! Onward! Ho! The emotion and delicate treatment he showed in Lenski's aria is a high-water mark. I can not imagine it being done better.

I first heard him in a recording of La Boheme (with Freni) in 1975 and have heard him in person both in Faust (1976) and in recital (1981). Whether on stage or in recording, Gedda is remarkable and consistent. If you are new to opera or are younger and addicted to the stars of today (and some of them are very good too), you should hear Gedda. It will raise your definition for what it takes to be a great tenor. Go find a recording of Fritz Wunderlich too.

Excellent compilation.......2005-01-30

Beautiful, easy lyric tenor; also great diction and phrasing -- a good example to any tenor on how this rep. should be sung.

Nicolai Gedda . . . the 4th tenor.......2004-06-13

Those of you who know the three tenors should look into this incredibly versatile singer. The first time I heard this remarkable tenor sing was from a recording of Mozart's Magic Flute. From then on I became an avid fan. This recording highlights how Gedda could go from singing lyric repertoire, to the bigger and more difficult French and Bel Canto and even tackling Russian and operetta. Any aspiring tenor and dedicated opera fan would do well to own this CD set.

Average customer rating:

NOT THE BEST FROM OPERA RARA
Opera Rara Rocks!

Rossini: Adelaide di Borgogna

Manufacturer: Opera Rara UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000HC2OQE
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Sinfonia
Misera Patria Oppressa
Lasciami: In Te Del Padre
Dio, Che M'ami In Tal Cimento
Ah! Crudel, Non Lusingarti
Recitativo 'Nostra E L'Italia'
Coro 'Salve, Italia, Un Di Regnante'
Scena 'Oh Sacra Alla Virtu'
Cavatina Ottone 'Soffri La Tua Sventura'
Amica Speme
Signor, Al Campo E Giunto
Vive Adelaide In Pianto
Noi Deponiamo Il Brando
Amico Ricetto
Cadde Nel Laccio Ottone
Viva Ottone, Il Grande, Il Forte'
Vedi, Signor?
Plauda Il Mondo In Si Bel Giorno
Recitativo 'Tacer! Sempre Tacer!'
Se Protegge Amica Sorte
L'amor Del Figlio
Vorrei Distruggere
O Ritiro Che Soggiorno
E Fia Pur Ver
Occhi Miei, Piangeste Assai
O Cara Immagine
Pur Mi Lice Una Volta
Mi Dai Corona E Vita
Vieni Al Tempio
Tu Che I Puri E Casti Affetti
Schiudi Le Porte Al Tempio
O Degl'itali Regnanti
Quale Improvviso Strepito!
Giunto E Alfin Di Vendetta L'istante

Tracks:

Come L'aquila Che Piomba
Vincemmo, O Madre
Della Tua Patria Ai Voti
Oh Rossore!
Ah! Signor, Perduti Siamo
Quella Gioia Che In Fronte Ti Brilla
Vederti In Pianto E Non Poterti Mai
Lasciami: Invan Mi Preghi
Si, Si Mi Svena Nel Tuo Furore
Fermati... Non M'ascolta... Ah! Chi'
Scena 'Berengario E Nel Periglio'
Aria Adelberto 'Grida, O Natura, E Desta'
Vieni: Alla Mia Nemica
Adelaide!... Oh Ciel! Che Vedo?
Parti. Alle Chiuse Mura
Compagni, A Voi Fidata
Scena 'Ah! Vanne... Addio...'
Aria 'Cingi La Benda Candida'
Se Grate Son Le Lagrime
Temer Un Danno
Coro 'Serti Intrecciar Le Vergini'
Aria Ottone 'Vieni: Tuo Sposo E Amante'
Al Trono Tuo Primiero
D'Imene Il Talamo

Customer Reviews:

NOT THE BEST FROM OPERA RARA.......2007-06-15

I give this performance 3 stars only due to the singing of soprano Majella Culagh. She screaches every time she gets to high notes, her voice is very sharp and unpleasant at this moments and not clear most of the time. I am surprised by applaudes she gets from audience, but it is a life performance of rare opera, so people are pleased.

As far as opera itself, it is hard to judge when you have to cover your ears everytime the star of the opera is singing. My opinion: it is average Rossini. It has a few great arias and duet, after all it is Rossini. I spend a few days watching DVD Bianco and Faliero, which is without reservations is top notch Rossini, so after that one, Adelaide is just OK.

I will look for a performance with Mariela Devia though, there was a copy from Amazon.UK available couple weeks ago, in her hands the Adelaide may still shine. To quote Opera Rara Jeremy Commons "Rossini is never without vitality, and never without musical distinction. Even in his operas of minor fame, he never stands less than a cubic taller than most of his contemporaries".

Just a short outline of plot.
The action is based on real historical persons and events of Italian history in 10th centuary. Adelaide is widow of Italian king Lottario, who is murdered by Berengario. Berengario tries to force Adelaide to marry his son Adelberto to legitimise his claim to the throne. Adelaide resists and calls for help to Otto II, Ottone in opera, German king. He arrives to rescue her, falls in love and marries her, but not before falling into various traps provided by Berengario and Adelbrando. Historically Otto II then unites Germany and Italy under one crown, thanks to Adelaide, and is crowned the Holy Roman Emperor, but that is after the opera ends.
The plot is very solid, with characters who speak and act as real people.

It is short opera, 2 discs - 77 min and 52 min. Opera Rara's booklet and packaging is per their usual standards, which is never less than excelent.
Sound is very good. Scotish Chamber Orchestra plays well. Jennifer Larmore as Ottone does great job. Bruce Ford is very competent Adelberto.
But somehow all together it is not the best.

Opera Rara Rocks!.......2007-03-03

Everyday is like Christmas with Opera Rara around!

Yet another great recording (and a live one) with Opera Rara faves Jennifer Larmore, Majella Cullagh and Bruce Ford. The Divine Larmore gives her many fans what they expect. (Why is this mezzo not singing in the States?)

The real treat for me is the duet in Act I with Ottone (Larmore) and Adelaide (Cullagh)...Wow...This is what great Rossini singing is all about. The pure sound and rockin' bel canto singing is to die for. These gals sure got it. Thank you.

As for the opera? Good? Bad? Who cares...It's Rossini done brilliantly.

Why are there no record labels like Opera Rara done out of the United States?? Huh?

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
Outstandingly beautiful- a great legend in our time
Follow the Leider...For He Is David Daniels
Countertenors: They're not just for Baroque Anymore!
Beyond Gimmick

David Daniels - Serenade
Christoph Willibald Gluck , Antonio Caldara , Antonio Cesti , Franz Schubert , Ludwig van Beethoven , Antonio Lotti , Charles Gounod , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Francis Poulenc , Henry Purcell , David Daniels , and Martin Katz
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Handel: Opera Arias; David Daniels
Sento Amor; David Daniels;
A Quiet Thing; David Daniels & Craig Ogden
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Été
Handel: Oratorio Arias

ASIN: B00004SRG1
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Adelaide Op.46
Der Tod Und Das Madchen D531
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen D774
Nacht Und Traume D827
Adelaide D95
Selve Amiche, Ombrose Piante
O Del Mio Dolce Ardor
Intorno All'idol Mio
Pur Dicesti, O Bocca Bella
L'Absent
Ou Voulez-Vous Aller?
Absence
Ser
Orpheus With His Lute
Linden Lea
Hands, Eyes And Heart
C'est Ainsi Que Tu Es FP 121 (Metamorphoses No.2)
Priez Pour Paix FP 95
La Belle Jeunesse FP 42 (Chansons Gaillardes No.7)
Sweeter Than Roses
I'll Sail Upon The Dog Star
Evening Hymn

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

It's a truism by now that countertenors have made a notable comeback in our time, but David Daniels--Amazon.com's Opera & Vocal Artist of 2000--isn't about to rest on his laurels. As if his recent successes weren't enough to set him apart, on this recital album Daniels forays beyond the countertenor's stereotypical domain of the baroque to interpret lieder of Beethoven and Schubert, as well as French mélodies and Vaughan Williams. A stunningly beautiful disc. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-05-30

The German and French art-song developed in parallel,but although they shared the same creative process based on the two key elements of words and music, they are distinct one from the other in their aim. Beethoven was one of the first to usher in the 'Leid'. Between 1795 and 1796 he drew inspiration from Friedich von Matthisson for his cantata 'Adelaide'. In 1814 Schubert set the same poem for his own 'Adelaide'. More than three-quarters of Schubert's songs are nature pictures as is 'Auf dem Wasser zu singen' on this disc. Other composers included on this recording are:Caldara-Gluck-Cesti-Lotte-Gounod-VaughanWilliams-Poulenc and Purcell.This disc absolutely delighted me. I can think of only one other countertenor who could have "pulled off" the variety of songs Daniels performs on this album. Most of them are quite well-known at least to singers and actually could be considered trite but not the way David Daniels sings them. He is so skillful with strong tone production when needed and always perfect diction. I marvel at the way he can implement the highly dramatic Italian aria and then sing the light "wispy" French songs. My personal favorites are "Adelaide" by Schubert. "Ou voulez-vous aller?" by Gounod and "I'll Sail Upon the DogStar by Purcell. In fact, if you are a Daniel's fan you MUST hear the Dog Star!!!!!

Outstandingly beautiful- a great legend in our time.......2005-06-22

This is a truly unique voice. David Daniels has an opulent timbre which he uses here to achieve sheer excellence. As much as I hate for his career to be upstaged by anything, knowing that he was tutored by Marilyn Horne seems to establish her vocal qualities as a suitable metaphor. It's that rich, opulent tone and secure vibrato that you don't get with some mezzos, let alone countertenors. No thin-ness here; no `hoot' and nothing shrill. He still has control though, and produces clean, even tones where appropriate. Think of the dramatic requirements of `Der Tod und das Madchen' and the celestial purity of `Absence' or `Ser'- he more than merely achieves the standards, he surpassed them and has set his own seal of distinction.

The choice of songs/arias is itself brilliant and Mr. Daniels' technique needs high praise. As a very minor observation, his diction, though good, doesn't come across as completely idiomatic. This is a VERY minor issue though. The pianist, Martin Katz is very responsive to the style of singing. Mr. Daniels' ability to sustain a phrase with grace and beauty is matched by Mr. Katz's sensitive touch and timing.

In parting, I recommend the ethereal experience of `Orpheus with his lute' (my favourite). The words, a Shakespearean sonnet, are of a straightforward beauty and the melody is from another realm but the singing? Mr. Daniels vocal control and phrasing are exquisite and his tone is sublime. Close your eyes and listen to this one quiet evening. "In sweet music is such art, killing care and grief of heart. Fall asleep, or hearing die." A lute and a song- a simple combination; yet profoundly moving beyond the raging elements. Thank you David.

Follow the Leider...For He Is David Daniels.......2004-08-18

Countertenor David Daniels takes a breather from his beloved Handel arias this time around for a recording of sheer beauty and most often tranquility, all the more surprising given the wide variety of tempos and international breadth of the program spanning five centuries. German leider from Beethoven and Schubert sits alongside Italian baroque songs followed by alternating French and English art songs. The 22 selections, once again reflecting his consummate musical taste, require him to sing in four different languages, and this South Carolina-born and -bred singer handles the daunting task with complete ease.

The result is a seamless recital, and the disc flows like an unfolding dream starting with Beethoven's enchanting "Adelaide". Schubert's "Naucht and Traume" highlights the purity of his tone and is as perfectly performed as any of his most moving opera arias. The Gounod pieces, especially "L'Absent" and the title track, have a sonorous quality that feel very much like lullabies, the sole exception being the lively "Ou voulez-vous aller?". Poulenc's "La belle Jeunesse" continues along this vein, a whirling dervish of a number referred in the accompanying booklet as an "invitation to debauchery". But these tracks are more the exception as Daniels achieves a lovely sense of vocal beatitude throughout.

The standout tracks have to be the three beautiful and somewhat more contemporary-sounding Vaughan Williams songs capped off by "Hands, eyes and heart", short and poignant, it is my favorite moment on this recording. The Renaissance-era Purcell selections provide the appropriate ending though, in particular, "Evening Hymn" sparked by the growing melismas on the hallelujahs. Whether he exhibits an astounding vibrato or the purest of tones, the man knows how to use his incredibly flexible voice and apply it intelligently to each song. Martin Katz accompanies with great precision and completely recognizes the individual style each song requires. It makes for a perfect pairing between singer and piano. This is a recording to treasure.

Countertenors: They're not just for Baroque Anymore!.......2004-03-23

OK, so it's a bad pun. Shoot me.

But get this wonderful disc! Daniels talent is well-served by this varied program.. he goes beyond Handel to sing Beethoven, Gounoud, Vaughan-Williams.

Don't just buy this for the novelty of countertenor singing: the singing would be 5 star had any mezzo (Bartoli, van Otter) sung with this sensitivity. It's superb in every regard.

Beyond Gimmick.......2002-08-01

At first it seems odd...countertenors are supposed to stay within certain boundaries. We let them have Baroque music, and even Gluck, and of course we let them have 20th century things written specifically for them, especially Britten. But to hear a countertenor singing Schubert, Beethoven or French melodies goes against our expectations. So we think, this must be a gimmick. But then Daniels voice takes over and such questions disappear.

Daniels sings this music as if it was inteneded for the countertenor. His sensitivity to the intimate marriage of text and music is phenomenal and his tone is always light and lyrical. I prefer this to many overblown sopranos that I've heard. Daniels weaves a spell that few singers of any voice type can match.

The Gounod is particularly beautiful. I had not been familiar with Gounod's art song before, and I've been missing something. L'Absent brought tears to my eyes just as the best Melodie of Duparc or Faure. And he sings Schubert as if he was born to it.

Tracks:

Duetto And Chorus: Kommt, Eilet Und Laufet
Aria: Sanfte Soll Mein Todeskummer
Recitative And Chorale: O Schmerz! Hier Zittert Das Gequalte Herz
Aria With Chorus: Ich Will Bei Meinem Jesu Wachen
Recitative: Mein Jesus Schweigt Zu Falschen Lugen Stille
Aria: Geduld!
Duet: Et Misericordia
Aria: Deposuit Potentes
Recitative: So Stehe Denn, Du Gottergeb'ne Seele
Aria: Adam Muss In Uns Verwesen
Chorus: Jauchzet, Frohlocket, Auf, Preiset Die Tage
Recitative: Es Begab Sich Aber Zu Der Zeit
Aria: Frohe Hirten, Eilt, Ach Eilet
Aria: Ich Will Nur Dir Zu Ehren Leben
Recitative: Und Liess Versammeln Alle Hohenpriester
Terzetto: Ach! Wann Wird Die Zeit Erscheinen
Recitative: Und Gott Befahl Ihnen Im Traum-Genug, Mein Schatz Geht Nicht Von Hier
Aria: Nun Mogt Ihr Stolzen Feinde Schrecken

Tracks:

Overture
Aria: Hier Soll Ich Dich Denn Sehen
Recitative And Aria: Konstanze, Dich Wiederzusehen, Dich!/O Wie Angstlich, O Wie Feurig
Aria: Wenn Der Freude Tranen Fliessen
Quartet: Ach! Belmonte! Ach, Mein Leben!
Aria: Ich Baue Ganz Auf Deine Starke
Recitative And Aria: Welch Ein Geschick!/Wie, Du Solltest Fur Mich Sterben!
Aria: Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
Zum Ziele Fuhrt Dich Diese Bahn
Wie Stark Ist Nicht Dein Zauberton
Der Welcher Wandert Diese Strasse Vol Beschwerden
Tamino Mein! O Welch Ein Gluck!

Tracks:

Duet: Strahlt Auf Mich Der Blitz Des Goldes - Hermann Prey
Duet: Hier Nimm Den Ring Der Treue
Scene And Duet: Ich Denk Ihn Lieber Mir Von Meinem Stande/Liebe Ist Seligkeit, Ist Licht Und Leben
Toast: O Freunde, So Leeret In Vollen Zugen - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Duet: Ich Sah Euch Lieblich Und Engelsschon - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Duet: O, Lass Uns Fliehen Aus Diesen Mauern - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Scene And Duet: er Ist's! Carlos! Mein PRinz!/Gott, Der Entflammte Der Liebe Heisse Glut - Hermann Prey
Duet: Infame Feder! Welch Scheusslicher Pinsel/Ach, Geliebte! Nie Kehrst Du mir Wieder! - Hermann Prey
Aria: Und Es Blitzten Die Sterne
Scene: Nicht An Mich, Geliebter, Denke
Duet: Du Sussester Engel, Wie Herrlich Hast Du Geteufelt!
Leukippos, Du?
Arioso: Ja, Ich Lieb Sie, Olga
Aria: Wohin Seid Ihr Entschwunden

Tracks:

Recitative And Arioso: Holdes Laubgezewig, Du Schones/Schattige Ruh, Nie Gab Natur Sie Mir
Aria: Der Gedanke An Die Flammen Der Liebe
Aria: Bleibt Ihr Treu Dem, Der Euch So Verachtet?
Aria: Finstre Furie, Ihr Geister Der Holle
Aria: Nur Einen wunsch, Nur Ein Verlangen - Hermann Prey
Recitative And Duet: O Unverhofftes Gluck/Das Hore Ich Von Dir, Von Meinem Freunde? - Hermann Prey
Ma Se Il Nostro Gioir/Alcun Non Sia
Perche A Lo Sdegno/Padre Cortese/Si Non Vedro
Aria: Erwacht In Meinem Herzen
Duet: Nur Weinen Lernte Ich/Nur Klagen lernte Ich
Aria: Keine Schlange Lasst Sich Toten
Romance: O Schweige Still, O Lasse Dich Erbitten
Trio: Doch Nun Zu Dir/Trenne Nicht Das Band Der Liebe - Hermann Prey
Aria: Man Wird Ja Einmal Nur Geboren
Song: Lebe Wohl, Mein Flandrisch Madchen - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Recitative And Duet: Du Stehst Wirklich Vor Mir/Der tempel Brahmas Strahlt - Hermann Prey

Tracks:

I. Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
II. Aus Meinen Tranen Spriessen
III. Die Rose, Die Lilie, Die Taube, Die Sonne
IV. Wenn Ich In Deine Augen Seh
V. Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen
VI. Im Rhein, Im Heiligen Strome
VII. Ich Grolle Nicht
VIII. Und Wussten's Die Blumen, Die Kleinen
IX. Das Ist Ein Floten Und Geigen
X. Hor Ich Das Liedchen Klingen
XI. Ein Jungling Liebt Ein Madchen
XII. Am Leuchtenden Sommermorgen
XIII. Ich Hab Im Traum Geweinet
XIV. Allnachtlich Im Traume Seh Ich Dich
XV. Aus Alten Marchen Winkt Es
XVI. Die Alten Bosen Lieder
Zartliche Liebe: 'Ich Liebe Dich' WoO 123
Adelaide Op.46
Resignation WoO 149
Der Kuss Op.128
Was Ist Silvia, Saget An
Lied Eines Schiffers An Die Dioskuren D 360
Liebhaber In Allen Gestalten D 558
Der Einsame D 800
Im Abendrot Op. Post. D 799
Leise Flehen Meine Lieder
An Die Laute D 905
Der Musensohn D 764
An Die Musik D 547

Tracks:

Granada
Mattinata
Funiculi-Funicula
O Sole Mio
Vergiss Mein Nicht
Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt
Du Bist Die Welt Fur Mich
Ich Kusse Ihre Hand, Madame
Caro Mio Ben
Ave Maria
Plaisir D'Amour
La Danza
Serenade: Fern Im Weiten Land, Dort Unten Im Suden
Be My Love
Santa Lucia
Tiritomba
Heute Nacht Oder Nie

Tracks:

Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein
Denk Dir, Die Welt War Ein Blumenstrauss
Ich Kenn Ein Kleines Wegerl Im Helenental
In Wien Gibt's Manch Winziges Gasserl
Draussen In Sievering
Ich Weiss Auf Der Wieden Ein Kleines Hotel
Ich Muss Wieder Einmal In Grinzing Sein
Im Prater Bluhn Wieder Die Baume
Herr Hofrat, Erinnern Sie Sich Noch?
I Hab Die Schonen Maderln Net Erfunden
Es Steht Ein Alter Nussbaum Drausst In Heiligenstadt
Wien Wird Bei Nacht Erst Schon
Wenn Es Abend Wird/Gruss Mir Mein Wien
Ob Blond, Ob Braun, Ich Liebe Alle Frau'n
Weine Nicht, Bricht Eine Schone Frau Dir Das Herz
Mein Herz Ruft Immer Nur Nach Dir, O Marita
Eine Kleine Fruhlingsweise
Schlaf Ein, Mein Blond-Engelein
Annchen Von Tarau
Still Wie Die Nacht

Customer Reviews:

Correction.......2006-12-13

Now folks, both of what the two other reviewers wrote about the tragical death of Fritz Wunderlich is wrong. Wunderlich died in hospital at September 17 1966. He had broken his skull, when he fell down the stairs in the hunting-house of a friend. Late in the evening of September 16, Wunderlich, as usual when not at home, had phoned his wife in Munich. He was very tired from strolling through the forest the whole day, making out the ideal locations for the hunt, which should start early in the next morning (Wunderlich was a passionate hunter). After he had wished his wife a good night, he went to the staircase in order to go down to his bedroom at the first floor. He still wore his heavy hunting boots - with open shoestrings! As walking downstairs, Wunderlich struggled over the open shoestrings and grabbed for the banisters, which was not more than a rope, fixed to the wall. The banisters teared out, and Wunderlich fell down the whole stairs. Fritz Wunderlich died in hospital the next day. It was only short before his 36'th birthday. An exceptional singing career had come to an untimely end. Some people believe that Wunderlich was drunken at the time of accident. If this is true can't be proven any more. But still this is not what his close friends said, regarding his accident and his death. In my opinion Wunderlich was the last of the really great tenors of the last century. All the tenors which came to fame after him (sorry folks, even such maestros as Pavarotti and Domingo) lack a certain quality in singing. It's the ease of breath flow, or singing on the breath without pushing the voice, it's the overtones, the legato, the mezza voce, the messa di voce and many more things - in short: the overall beauty of the voice through both registers. Wunderlich was the last tenor who had all this. Other examples are Caruso, McCormack, Gigli (despite the sobbing in his later recordings) and of course the wonderful Jussi Björling. But these are only some few names. If you listen for example to the cd's in the box "Famous tenors of the past" you will find that there were many very good and outstanding tenors in the first half of the 20'th century and - as we can only assume - in the time before the invention of the grammophone. Take a close look at todays famous tenors (I know, there are some quite good and promising ones) but what are they in comparison to those tenors (or better to say, to their voices and singing) I just mentioned before?

Please make your own decision.

Fritz Wunderlich can do no wrong...........2006-05-05

... okay, maybe. It's just that I've never heard a recording I didn't love. And I prefer that he sing everything in German even when that means not using original language.

This is a bit strange because I'm most often bugged by Don Carlos and Vepres in Italian (just a personal quirk). Of course, I'm also bugged by dropping the "s" in Don Carlos, which is always incorrect. The man's name IS Carlos whether in Italian or French.

I tried to write Mr. Avila a personal note, but could not, so let me say that Fritz Wunderlich did not die of cancer, but a dreadful accident in Scotland (I'll not go into the whys and wherefores, I just wanted to set PART of the record straight.)

The Wonder of Wunderlich.......2005-11-22

Deutsche Grammophone does it again! This is an extensive 3-cd compilation album featuring the artistry of the great German tenor Fritz Wunderlich in a variety of vocal repertoire - Baroque cantata/oratorio, opera and Lieder. Like the other critic pointed out, I first heard Fritz sinigng a superb Tamino in the Karl Bohm Magic Flute, although I have also heard him sing Lieder opposite the mezzo soprano Christa Ludwig and baritone Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, who were his contemporaries and colleagues. Wunderlich died tragically in 1966 of cancer. He inspired a generation of purely lyric tenors or "tenors di grazie" whose charming voice would never roughen and lack grace. His Germanic style earned him popularity in World War II Europe and he was the leading exponent of Lieder in the 50's. His tenor voice is glorious, as close to a male angel as possible. On this recording, we are treated to sumptuous arias from Bach's Christmas/Easter Oratorios, and movements from 2 cantatas. Also noteworthy are the unsurpassed performances of Mozart tenor heroes- such as Belmonte from "Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail" (Abduction from the Seraglio) and his unbeatable Tamino from Die Zauberflote The Magic Flute. He sings bel canto opera arias fo tenor, from master composers Rossinni, Bellini and Verdi. While I don't much like that he is singing Italian arias in German, one must remember that at this time, in the LP Era of World War II Germany and Austria, German-born opera singers sang Italian opera in German translation/revisions. While many German singers could indeed sing in Italian, they were mostly trained to sing it in German because of excessive national pride and because Germans viewed Italian opera as course and un-melodic. Still, there have been superb German singers who sang in Italian like Wagner diva Birgit Nilsson,baritone Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, tenor Peter Schreier, soprano Edda Moser, baritone Walter Berry, tenor Herman Pretty, all post-Wunderlich sensations. Wunderlich sings Lieder in one CD with great and unrivaled musicianship. Especially impressive are the Viennese pieces. Further to the cd's this album is equipped with photos of Wunderlich and his family and a detailed profile biography.

I wish I could give this release more than 5 stars: it's terrific!!!.......2005-10-28

I knew little about the German tenor Fritz Wunderlich (1930-1966), except reading the accolades given to his recordings and performances by reviewers in "American Record Guide" over the past 13 years. I knew Wunderlich recorded the role of Tamino in the famous DG recording of Mozart's "Die Zauberflote", with Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (Now on DG Originals CDs), but was not aware of what a wide range of repertoire he had until hearing this release.

This release has a wide variety of Wunderlich's discography, including Bach arias from his Christmas and Easter Oratorios, and movements from 2 cantatas; his Mozart roles in "Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail" (Eugen Jochum/Bavarian Radio Orchestra) and "Die Zauberflote" (Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic); a variety of arias and duets by Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Richard Strauss, mostly sung in German, and with Hermann Prey, baritone and Erika Koth, soprano in many of the duets; Baroque arias by Handel, from "Xerxes" (including the famous "Ombre mai fu" sung in German) and "Julius Caesar", selections from Monteverdi's "Orfeo" (an early track from 1955 sung in Italian); Schumann's "Dichterliebe", 4 Beethoven Lieder, including "Adelaide" and "Der Kuss"; and 9 Schubert lieder, including "An der Musik," and "Der Musensohn", all with Hubert Giesen, piano; Popular songs such as "Granada" and Viennese songs, with chamber orchestra accompaniment. There are no texts for the songs, but you may have text booklets with other CD releases, so don't really need them when you hear Wunderlich's beautiful voice.

There is a booklet with articles about Wunderlich's career, including a preface by his widow, Eva Wunderlich, photos of Wunderlich as a boy and young man, with his wife Eva in 1965, and children Constanze, Wolfgang, and Barbara. I enjoy reading and looking at the booklet, even apart from listening to the beautiful recordings.

Wunderlich was a genius, and his voice sounds great in every track, mono (some, but not a majority) and stereo (most of the tracks in the 7 discs are stereo) alike. If you love great music, and opera, but like me aren't often of a mind to sit still for 3 hours to listen to one, get this. It's a great release, and reasonably priced to boot. I'm thankful to God for great music, for the ability to hear and feel, and for Fritz Wunderlich and his service to music lovers everywhere.

Ben Heppner - Dedication (Lieder of Beethoven, Liszt, Schumann and Strauss)

Average customer rating:

Heppner's Stauss, Liszt, and Beethoven are invigorating

Ben Heppner - Dedication (Lieder of Beethoven, Liszt, Schumann and Strauss)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000006OP1
Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

Adelaide, Op. 46
Vier Lieder, Op. 27: No. 1. Ruhe, meine Seele
Vier Lieder, Op. 27: No. 2. Cacilie
Vier Lieder, Op. 27: No. 3. Heimliche Aufforderung
Vier Lieder, Op. 27: No. 4. Morgen!
Myrthen, Op. 25: No. 1. Widmung
Myrthen, Op. 25: No. 3. Der Nussbaum
Myrthen, Op. 25: No. 7. Die Lotosblume
Myrthen, Op. 25: No. 8. Talismane
Myrthen, Op. 25: No. 24. Du bist wei eine Blume
Myrthen, Op. 25: No. 25. Aus den ostlichen Rosen
Myrthen, Op. 25: No. 26. Zum Schluss
Tre Sonetti Di Petrarca: Pace non trovo
Tre Sonetti Di Petrarca: Benedetto sia 'I giorno
Tre Sonetti Di Petrarca: I vidi in terra angelici costumi
An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98

Amazon.com

What an appealing title for this wonderful selection of romantic, ardent songs, sung with such radiant, glowing eloquence! Ben Heppner is a two-fold "crossover" phenomenon: a great operatic heldentenor completely at home in the lieder repertoire, and a Canadian who sings German like a native. He captures the warm and lyrical simplicity, the dreamy inwardness, the poetic longing, and the passionate intensity of these love songs perfectly, coloring his incomparable voice with infinite flexibility and subtlety to fit the expression. Heppner reserves its glorious, ringing quality for the climaxes and for Liszt's three Sonnets of Petrarch--Italian opera arias in disguise--the first complete with a dramatic recitative (and one of the program's two high B's), the others rapturous, yearning romances. All are very beautiful, with lush, swooping virtuoso piano parts. Craig Rutenberg, an exemplary partner, plays them marvelously. This is a record to delight the ear and warm the heart. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Heppner's Stauss, Liszt, and Beethoven are invigorating.......2000-04-27

The collection of lieder on this disc are some of my favorite pieces, and here they are sung by one of my favorite tenors. The Strauss is beautiful, and it fills me with excitement, and energy every time I listen to him sing them. His "Adelaide" is also captivating. This was my first expierence with the Liszt pieces on this cd, and they are now among my favorite songs. Heppner never dissapoints, and this CD is no exception.

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