Freunde & Propheten [Import]

1. Wenn Der Letzte Regen Fällt

2. Falsche Puopheten

3. Frag Nicht Warum

4. Pass Auf

5. Der Weg

6. Wie Feuer und Eis

7. Am Ende Der Nacht

8. Die Zeiten Sind Hart

9. Soldat

10. Für Immer Freunde

Freunde & Propheten,Peter Maffay,Ariola,Euro-Pop,Pop/Rock,World Music

Average customer rating: DON'T HESITATE TO BUY THIS CD

Beethoven: Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Sonatas | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Greatest Hits Chopin: Greatest Hits Schubert: Greatest Hits Greatest Hits HANDEL ~ Water Music, Largo, etc.. Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002A1D Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

1. Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op. 67: l. Allegro con brio
2. Minuet in G Major, WoO 10, No.2
3. Fur Elise (Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59)
4. Sonata For Piano In C-sharp Minor, No. 14, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': l. Adagio sostenuto
5. The Ruins of Athens, Op.113, No.4: Turkish March
6. Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': l. Allegro ma non troppo
7. Egmont Overture, Op. 84
8. Symphony No.3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': lll. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Trio
9. Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.5 In E-flat Major 'Emperor': lll. Rondo. Allegro
10. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto-Rezitativo 'O Freunde, nicht diese Tone' - Allegro assai (Excerpt)

Customer Reviews:

DON'T HESITATE TO BUY THIS CD.......2001-12-28

What can I say other than this is a great CD. Beethoven was a master and his music will live forever. Altough I don't like every single symphony he composed, I love all the pieces on this album. These selections have "fire and passion," and I listen to them over and over again. Enjoy!!

Average customer rating: A Soothing And Unique Collection of Bach's Music Wonderful, Heartfelt Candidate for the most beautiful piece of music ever written I'm Enjoying This, My First Real Exposure to Bach, Immensely Bach, Battle, & Perlman at Their Finest

The Bach Album Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart Kathleen Battle - Bel Canto Arias Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart ASIN: B000001GD3 Release Date: 1992-01-16

Tracks:

1. Kantate BWV 197 No. 8: Vergnugen und Lust, Gedeihen und Heil
2. Kantate BWV 58 No. 3: Ich Bin Vergnugt In Meinem Leiden
3. Kantate BWV 204 No. 4: Die Schatzbarkeit Der Weiten Erden
4. Kanatate BWV 97 No. 4: Ich Rtaue Seiner Gnaden
5. Kantate BWV 115 No. 4: Bete Aber Auch Dabei
6. Kantate BWV 171 No. 4: Jesus Soll Mein Erstes Wort
7. Messe h-moll, BWV 232 No. 23: Benedictus, Qui Venit In Nomine Domini
8. Messe h-moll, BWV 232, No. 5: Laudamus Te
9. Kantate BWV 202 No. 5: Wenn Die Fruhlingslufte Streichen
10. Kantate BWV 36 No. 7: Auch Mit Gedampften, Schwachen Stimmen
11. Kantate BWV 187 No. 5: Gott Versorget Alles Leben
12. Kantate BWV 84 No. 3: Ich Esse Mit Freuden Mein Weniges Brot
13. Kantate BWV 105 No. 5: Kann Ich Nur Jesum Mir Zum Freunde Machen

Customer Reviews:

A Soothing And Unique Collection of Bach's Music.......2003-12-29

THE BACH ALBUM is a beautiful and relaxing collection of Bach arias. Most of the pieces included in the collection are not instantly recognized by the average listener (I include myself in this category) which makes the collection unique and in my opinion gives the collection more of an appeal. I often use it as background music when I am trying to complete a project or wish to create a relaxing atmosphere. Listeners expect great musicianship from both Kathleen Battle and Itzhak Perlman and both deliver exceptional performances. Both compliment each other and neither seems to be competing for attention. The Orchestra of St. Luke's, under the direction of John Nelson supports the two principal musicians well. This album is a must for Bach lovers and anyone else who appreciates the musicianship of these two extraordinary talents.

Wonderful, Heartfelt.......2003-01-14

This CD is a serious candidate for Battle's best - her voice is flawless and at its most expressive (which is saying a lot, considering how gorgeous her voice ALWAYS is), the recording quality itself is warm and intimate, and Mr. Perlman's playing forms an exquisitely tender accompaniment to Battle's singing. I find myself returning again and again to this recording - it will always hold a treasured spot in my collection. Highly recommended.

Candidate for the most beautiful piece of music ever written.......2002-08-15

I believe that track 5 of this CD, "Bete...", is a candidate for the most beautiful piece of music that Bach ever wrote, and therefore for the most beautiful piece of music ever written.

I'm Enjoying This, My First Real Exposure to Bach, Immensely.......2001-01-31

What I love about this album is that some of the selections have an air of rustic simplicity being, as they are, composed predominantly to showcase a single voice and violinist. Ms. Battle's lovely voice, though classically-trained, never overwhelms the (mostly) sacred intent of the songs on this album and her diction and attention to the text is a wonderful thing to behold. None of these songs are dazzling in the way, say, the Queen of the Night's aria (with all of those high F's) is but they are all beautifully rendered here. Itzhak Perlman's playing complements Ms. Battle and one never gets the impression that these two musicians are trying to outshine the other (regardless of what Ms. Battle's reputation may have you believing!). The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because after an hour the music seems a bit monochromatic. I'm not faulting Perlman or Battle for that, I'm sure that these songs are performed exactly as J.S. Bach wrote them. This is the kind of album one could play to unwind after a long day at the office or school. The tone of the album is a tranquil one without any peaks (or valleys) but, while this may be boring for some, I find the uniformity soothing. Again, I must take my hat off to the accomplished playing of Itzhak Perlman and singing of Kathleen Battle. (The inlay has an essay that is informative though dry, while the English translations of the lyrics are poetic and, for the most part, accurate.) Enjoy!

Bach, Battle, & Perlman at Their Finest.......2000-07-06

The magnificence of each J. S. Bach composition featured in this performance is equalled only by the incomparable mastery of coloratura by Kathleen Battle and the cello virtuoso of Itzhak Perlman. I must take exception on two points made in the review of the "music fan from Boston" when reference is made to the "prima donna antics" of Ms. Battle. First, we are reviewing the unmatched soprano skill and vocal talents of Ms. Battle, not her person. I am reminded of the first time I ever heard of Maria Callas. It was not because of her musical ability that I was first introduced to her, but in a newpapaer review that lambasted her "blatantly obnoxious, immature and reprehensible behavior, unbecoming of one of her professional stature." Yet this and other unfavorable characterizations never diminished or tarnished her reputation as a noted soprano. Secondly, the "fan from Boston" says that Ms. Battle's "German is a little suspect." Has anyone ever heard Pavoratti sing in English? A far cry from perfect execution of the language, but, again, we are reviewing the vocal artistry here, not linguistics. The reviews from both S. Africa and Autralia are absolutely correct in their assesments of this remarkable CD and are a refreshing alternative to the brain-washed opinions resulting from over-exposure to U.S. opportunistic/sensationalistic media who delight in the unprofessional and childish practice of bashing Kathleen Battle. Kathleen Battle ranks as one of greatest soprano voices ever. You only have to listen to this performance of Bach's music to confirm my assertion. Her abilities speak for themselves.

Average customer rating: Delightful! A Great and Varied Collection MAGIC is a good word to describe Fritz Wunderlich

The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD] Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lortzing | Lortzing, Albert | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Fritz Wunderlich: Great German Tenor The Art of Fritz Wunderlich An die Musik [2 CD & DVD Limited Edition] Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen ASIN: B000AC5B20 Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

1. Finstre Furien, Ihr Geister Der Holle (Crude Furie Delg'orridi Abissi)
2. Wenn Der Freude Tranen Flieben
3. Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
4. Lebe Wohl Flandrisch Madchen
5. Nadir, Du Stehst Wirklich Vor Mir - Und In Des Tempels Grund (C'est Toi, Toi Qu'enfin Je Revois - Au Fond Du Temple Saint)
6. Wohin Seid Ihr Entschwunden (Kuda, Kuda, Kuda Vi Udalilis)
7. Ich Denk Ihn Lieber Mir Von Meinem Statde - Liebe Ist Seligkeit, Ist Licht Und Leben (Signor Ne Principe Io O Vorrei - E Il So Dell'anima, La Vita E Amora)
8. O, Lass Uns Fliehen Aus Diesen Mauern (Parigi, O Cara, Noi Lasceremo)
9. Und Es Blitzten Die Sterne (E Lucevan Le Stelle)
10. Wenn Es Abend Wird - Grub Mir Mein Wein
11. Wien Wird Bei Nacht Erst Schon
12. Heute Nacht Oder Nie
13. Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt
14. Be My Love
15. Granada

Tracks:

1. Nun Schwanden Vor Dem Heiligen Strahle/Verzweiflung, Wut Und Schrecken
2. Mit Wurd' Und Hoheit Angetan
3. Ma Qual Mai S'ofre, Oh Dei - Fuggi Crudele
4. Come Mai Creder Deggio - Dalla Sua Pace
5. Amici Miei - Il Mio Tesoro Intanto
6. Nur Einen Wunsch, Nur Ein Verlangen (Unis Des La Plus Tendre Enfance)
7. O Unverhofftes Gluck - Das Hore Ich Von Dir, Von Meinem Freunde? (O Moment Trop Heureux! - Et Tu Pretends Encore Que Tu M'aimes?)
8. Hier Nimm Den Ring Der Treue (Prendie: L'anel Ti Dono)
9. O Schweige Still, O Lasse Dich Erbitten (Ne Parle Pas, Rose, Je T'en Supplie)
10. Doch Nun Zu Dir - Trenne Nicht Das Band Der Liebe
11. Di Rigori Armato Il Seno
12. Heimliche Aufforderung Op.27 No.3
13. Ich Trage Meine Minne Op.32 No.1
14. Standchen Op.17 No.2
15. Zueignung Op.10 No.1
16. Morgen Op.27 No.4

Customer Reviews:

Delightful!.......2007-01-19

What a beautful voice and such an artist. I've always loved Wunderlich's voice and this album was such a delightful surprise to happen across. The Pearl Fishers' duet with Herman Prey is spectacular--it would be even better than Bjoerling/Merrill if it were in the original French!

A Great and Varied Collection.......2005-12-19

Fritz Wunderlich is a name that is familiar to opera buffs, at least those who enjoy the great singers of the past, but his name is not as familiar with the general public. It probably would have been, had it not been for a tragic and fluke accident that claimed his life. For those who are familiar with this great tenor, he's a beloved musician that makes listeners wonder what could have been.

Wunderlich's voice is one that can be light and airy at times, yet it can also have a dramatic intensity. This two disc set includes a variety of pieces that display Wunderlich's wide range and great vocal talent. His excerpts from Mozart are perhaps his strongest. So often the tenor roles in Mozart operas are cast with performers who are agile and can reach the higher notes, but their voices are somewhat weak. Wunderlich shows just how beautiful these arias can be. The same holds true for his arias from EUGENE ONEGIN and the pieces from well known operettas. His "Au Fond De Temple Saint" performed with Hermann Prey (a dream team pairing if there ever was one) is close to the Bjorling/Merrill rendition. We see his versatility in the excerpt from Haydn's CREATION and the live performance of "Di Rigori Armato" from DER ROSENKAVALIER is a treat and allows the listener to compare his live and studio recordings. The bonus DVD has a few slight flaws, but we see, at least in the scenes from THE BARBER OF SEVILLE that he not only has a wonderful voice but a good stage presence as well.

Most of the tracks are performed in German, even the Bellini, Bizet, and Verdi tracks, as was the case in many of the recordings of famous German singers. This may detract at first, especially of we expect to hear gorgeous French singing and it comes out, well German sounding. Still, it's a wonderful set with great variety and shows us what we missed in this tenor whose career had just begun.

MAGIC is a good word to describe Fritz Wunderlich.......2005-11-08

Magic is a good word to describe Fritz Wunderlich (1930-1966), and if you aren't already familiar with his work, you'll see why when you experience this CD.

Many of the tracks are not new to CDs: I'd say 50% of them are also in the "Art of Fritz Wunderlich" set (DG, 7 CDs), including Handel, Mozart, Bellini, and other opera arias. There are 3 tracks from "Don Giovanni" which I had not encountered elsewhere, and a scene from Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier" + 5 Strauss Lieder (with orchestra) not previously released in recent years.

Wunderlich was never less than the very best, and here is no exception. The bonus DVD has almost 30 minutes of scenes of Wunderlich (Count Almaviva) in Rossini's "Barber of Seville", sung in German with Hermann Prey (Figaro) and Erika Koth (Rosina) from a 1959 black and white TV production, in very good mono sound; and two scenes from Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin", also sung in German, and with a young Brigitte Fassbaender (a little more hiss but very good, full, rich mono sound). The Rossini is available from English sources, and hopefully will be available in the US soon.

Like conductor Karl Bohm (1894-1981), I'm going to try to get as much Fritz Wunderlich material as I can find, CD or DVD, as is practical (and even when it isn't!).

Average customer rating: Operetta recording lyrics Great intro to Viennese operettas A Great Introduction to Operetta Terrific value!

The Best of Operetta, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Operetta, Vol. 2 The Best of Operetta, Vol. 3 Lehár: Waltzes The Only Operetta Album You'll Ever Need! Viennese Operetta Gems ASIN: B0000014CF Release Date: 1997-02-04

Tracks:

1. Der Ziegeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron): Overture
2. Giuditta: Freunde, das Leben ist lebenswert!
3. Giuditta: Meine Lippen, sie kussen so heiss
4. Freiderike: O Madchen, mein Madchen
5. Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron): Wer uns getraut
6. Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron): Als flotter Geist
7. Fruhlingsstimmen(Voices Of Spring), Walzer
8. Das Land des Lachelns (The Land Of Smiles): Dein ist mein ganzes Herz
9. Das Land des Lachelns (The Land Of Smiles): Wer hat die Liebe uns ins Herz gesenkt?
10. Das Land des Lachelns (The Land Of Smiles): Immer nur lacheln
11. Das Land des Lachelns (The Land Of Smiles): Von Apfelbluten einen Kranz
12. Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow): Lippen schweigen
13. Eine Nacht in Vendig (A Night in Venice): Komm in die Gondel
14. Grafin Mariza (Countess Mariza): Komm mit nach Varasdin

Customer Reviews:

Operetta recording lyrics.......2007-01-23

I need the lyrics word to the CD I purchasedGreat Operetta REcordings,Viennese operettas Gems 8.110292 , Naxos
Let me know of the purchase price so that I can receive the lyhrics now Thank you Irving Korr

Great intro to Viennese operettas.......2007-01-09

The quality of this recording is superlative, the voices are romantic and strong. This is a delightful introduction to the world of Viennese operettas.

A Great Introduction to Operetta.......2004-03-29

An analogy describing operetta music could be as follows: operetta is to serious classical music as bubble gum pop tunes are to the music of the Beatles. While many opera fans enjoy operetta, it is not seen as all that serious, yet the musicianship that is required to perform many of the showpieces of operetta is the same as that of more serious opera. For this reason, when a full orchestra with competent singers performs operetta music, it is usually worth listening to, and this disc is certainly well worth listening to over and over again.

The disc contains showpieces from many of the great operettas including Strauss' GYPSY BARON, Lehar's GUIDETTA, THE LAND OF SMILES, and MERRY WIDOW, and Kalman's GRAFIN MARIZA among others. The Hungarian Operetta Orchestra is conducted by Laszlo Kovacs and the soloists are sopranos Ingrid Kertesi, Zsuzsu Csonka and tenor Janos Berkes. Perhaps the best pieces on the recording are "Fruhlingsstimmen", "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" and the duet from Grafin Mariza. The disc does not give credit to the individual performers, so it we do not know which soprano is performing, but in all cases the voices are strong and beautiful. Berkes' tracks are well performed, but "O Madchen mein Madchen" is not as strong as other pieces he performs, but then again, he has great competition from other tenor greats who have attempted many of these pieces. In most cases, he performs admirably.

Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of this disc is the authenticity. Many operetta recordings include excerpts from studio recordings of the entire work. This recording seems to be a studio recording where the pieces are performed individually, but the listener would not know this from the overall quality. The disc also contains liner notes that provide the lyrics of the pieces performed, which is an added benefit to this disc.

Terrific value!.......2000-01-15

I bought all three discs in this series and heartily recommend them. At the price, you can't go wrong. My favorite is the first volume--after the opening waltz and two OK numbers, you'll find one lovely tune after another. I listen to this in my car and it shortens my perception of the commute.The recording is very good and the artists are pleasing to listen to. I don't care as much for the Fledermaus songs in the third volume, as the voices don't stand up to the caliber of Kiri Te Kanawa and others on the Previn Fledermaus disc--but they are still nice renditions.

Average customer rating: A Brisk, Lightweight Cakewalk! Clean, Clean, Clean! I meant to give this 3 stars, but the thing isn't working right for some wierd reason... A delight to listen to..... A Revelation - Not A Revolution

Beethoven: Symphony No 9 /ORR * Gardiner Monteverdi Choir Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Monteverdi Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Orchestre Rivolutionnaire et Romantique | ( O ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Monteverdi Choir | ( M ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Orchestre Rivolutionnaire et Romantique | ( O ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | ( O ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14 (Episode in the Life of an Artist) (Dover Miniature Scores) Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky: Petrouchka/ Le Sacre du Printemps Symphony No. 9 in D Minor: Op. 125 ("Choral") (Dover Miniature Scores) Beethoven: The Revolutionary ASIN: B0000057EZ Release Date: 1996-05-14

Tracks:

1. Symphony No.9 In D Minor: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo , Un Poco Maestoso
2. Symphony No.9 In D Minor: II. Molto Vivace (Scherzo)
3. Symphony No.9 In D Minor: III. Adagio Molto E Cantabile
4. Symphony No.9 In D Minor: IV. Presto
5. Symphony No.9 In D Minor: 'O Freunde, nicht diese Tone!' Allegro Assai (Final chorus from Schiller's Ode To Joy)

Customer Reviews:

A Brisk, Lightweight Cakewalk!.......2007-02-25

I put on the Gardiner version of the 9th symphony awhile back. Here I am listening, thinking, maybe I'll just get through the first movement and not much else. The timing of the recording is 59:43, under a hour, but do I have an hour to sit through right now? Well, I'm listening and the first movement rolls by in 13 minutes flat and then just as quickly the second in 13 minutes, even with the extra repeat. The adagio flies by in under 13 minutes! Then the finale starts and I'm thinking, wow, near the end already. The finale times out at about 21 minutes. I finish listening and say to myself, that was the most easy going 9th I've ever heard. It's like a flash in the pan!

Please don't presume I'm saying that Gardiner conducts poorly or that the orchestra is no good. Actually the orchestra plays with real gusto, check out the whole recapitulation of the first movement, there is some terrific playing going on and the sound is very fine digital quality, but this is one of the most clinical recordings I've ever heard of this symphony. Gardiner is far and away better than almost all period-instrument conductors in this music but that doesn't mean he understands a single note of it.

Beethoven's 9th is a massive work of philosophical breadth and spiritual intensity whose huge shadow falls across the entire 19th-century and well into the 20th. It's still just as relevant today as the day it was written and we're well underway with the 21st century now. Gardiner conducts this music in a way that tries to pigeonhole this epic piece into the times of it's creation. This is not Beethoven the immortal who tests the limits of the art form, this is just Beethoven, the hyperactive jerk classical composer. I'm simply saying that pigeonholing great, creative minds into an era in history is a false methadology. Creators like Beethoven or Wagner or Shakespeare or Michaelangelo are living, breathing forces of nature, just as much today as when they were actually alive. Gardiner's clinical view of this eternal creation is not nearly enough to even merely suggest an understanding of this music.

This is a good supplemental recording, to counteract lethargic, bloated performances like Leonard Bernstein's "Ode to Freedom" concert and Karl Bohm's final digital version, which was slow as molasses too. Yes, Gardiner beats those clownish recordings but he can't aspire to the greatness of Herbert von Karajan, Gunter Wand, Georg Solti, ( 1972 ), and especially Wilhelm Furtwangler in Berlin, 1942. Check them all out!

Clean, Clean, Clean!.......2006-09-21

I listened to various recordings by Solti, Von Karajan, Furtwangler, and Bernstein before settling on this one for its historical accuracy and vibrant, clean sound. While Beethoven's 9th pushed the edges of Romaticism, it is, at its core, a Classical symphony grounded in the same musical tradition as Mozart and Haydn. It should therefore be energetic, clean, and have a clear rhythmic and tonal center rather than languishing in introspective thought, drama, and dissonance... more Weber than Wagner.

In stark contrast to most recordings of the 9th, Gardiner's interpretation is quick, clean, expansive in dynamic range, and firmly rooted in Classical architecturalism. It posseses none of the Wagnerian qualities of slower recordings and, as such, delivers a roller coaster ride instead of a psychotherapy session.

The Orchestra Revolutionnaire et Romantique plays with gusto, charm, and clarity on period instruments... no easy feat. The sound may be smaller than, say, the Berlin Philharmonic, but it is also more nimble and this is one of the few recordings of the 9th that makes you truly stop and listen... the cloudiness of other recordings is replaced by crisp, sharp edges and the music is infused with freshness and verve.

The Monteverdi Choir sings with good diction and is a fine match for the orchestra; their dynamic range is considerable and the voice parts are well balanced. The soloists sing with passion and clarity while keeping their performances free of excessive interpretive liberties.

Archiv's recording quality is first rate and there is no static, hiss, or splats on the high notes. The perfomance is recorded closely and at times, you can hear the musicians turning pages. Bernstein or Solti are good bets if you want a more distant sound... however, I think this recording is probably closest to what the Viennese heard in 1824.

I meant to give this 3 stars, but the thing isn't working right for some wierd reason..........2006-09-19

I've posted two reviews on two occasions of this recording, neither of them particularly serious or in depth. But seriously, this album, while not my favorite by a long shot, is not a complete waste of time either.

I have to admit that, being something of a Beethoven fanatic, and having heard a few of Gardiner's recordings of other music, I was, shall we say, a tad skeptical about this performance. However, upon listening (multiple times), I've found that it certainly has its moments. The opening of the first mov't., while a bit rushed, still possesses a surprising degree of raw power; the second mov't is very neatly done. The third, on the other hand, is a bit of a letdown. It's not so much the tempo (which I do find hurried, but not unbearably so) that dissappoints. It just feels...well, boring - mechanical, almost. As if the performers are just sort of playing it in order to get to the end.

However, this movement represents the only major blemish on an otherwise listenable recording. The last mov't is, by and large, well played and sung (although the whole Turkish March section in the middle leading up to the tenor solo and mini-fugue feels really rushed, as does the brief interlude between the orchestral mini-fugue and the famous choral return, which takes some of the wind out of an otherwise impressive performance). Overall, an underrated recording - but its difficult to label it "great."

Bottom line: if you're already familiar with the symphony, then you should probably give this disc a listen - there are some rather mediocre moments, but there some truly wonderful ones as well. I would not recommend this, however, as an introduction to the work or the composer. Nor would I, by any means, recommend that one be satisfied with this as their sole recording of this work (or with any other recording for that matter).

Other recommendations would include:

Reiner, Szell, Furtwangler, Abbado, Haitink, Bohm, Toscanini, Wand, Friscay, Muti, Klemperer, Karajan, and Leinsdorf, in no particular order (and I've almost certainly forgot some).

A delight to listen to............2006-08-30

This could be one of Beethoven's most beautiful and tragic symphonies. He was almost completely deaf by the time it was finished which only makes it more magnificent.

This particular recording is crisp & clear. Even though there is a lot going on in the finale, all the voices & instruments are nicely balanced and don't drown each other out or become a big muddy mess.

A Revelation - Not A Revolution.......2005-05-21

Forget all the prissy arguments over period instruments: this recording is a revelation not a revolution.

Listen to the interpretation and the performance. This is a masterful rendering of a masterpiece.

Wake up your ears and your mind and treat your soul. Take a few minutes out of your life and listen to the excerpts above and prepare yourself for an insightful revelation.

Then add this disc to your collection. This one is well worth the price. It is an informed, studied and above all, a genuinely alive, vibrant, intelligent, moving performance by all of the forces.

First class.

Average customer rating: Correction Fritz Wunderlich can do no wrong.... The Wonder of Wunderlich I wish I could give this release more than 5 stars: it's terrific!!!

The Art of Fritz Wunderlich Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lortzing | Lortzing, Albert | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD] Fritz Wunderlich: Great German Tenor Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen Schubert: Die Schöne Müllerin, 3 Lieder / Fritz Wunderlich Very Best of ASIN: B0009PLMQW Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

1. Granada
2. Mattinata
3. Funiculi-Funicula
4. O Sole Mio
5. Vergiss Mein Nicht
6. Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt
7. Du Bist Die Welt Fur Mich
8. Ich Kusse Ihre Hand, Madame
9. Caro Mio Ben
10. Ave Maria
11. Plaisir D'Amour
12. La Danza
13. Serenade: Fern Im Weiten Land, Dort Unten Im Suden
14. Be My Love
15. Santa Lucia
16. Tiritomba
17. Heute Nacht Oder Nie

Tracks:

1. Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein
2. Denk Dir, Die Welt War Ein Blumenstrauss
3. Ich Kenn Ein Kleines Wegerl Im Helenental
4. In Wien Gibt's Manch Winziges Gasserl
5. Draussen In Sievering
6. Ich Weiss Auf Der Wieden Ein Kleines Hotel
7. Ich Muss Wieder Einmal In Grinzing Sein
8. Im Prater Bluhn Wieder Die Baume
9. Herr Hofrat, Erinnern Sie Sich Noch?
10. I Hab Die Schonen Maderln Net Erfunden
11. Es Steht Ein Alter Nussbaum Drausst In Heiligenstadt
12. Wien Wird Bei Nacht Erst Schon
13. Wenn Es Abend Wird/Gruss Mir Mein Wien
14. Ob Blond, Ob Braun, Ich Liebe Alle Frau'n
15. Weine Nicht, Bricht Eine Schone Frau Dir Das Herz
16. Mein Herz Ruft Immer Nur Nach Dir, O Marita
17. Eine Kleine Fruhlingsweise
18. Schlaf Ein, Mein Blond-Engelein
19. Annchen Von Tarau
20. 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.

Average customer rating: Not since Wunderlich!!

Jerry Hadley: Vienna Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | 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 Similar Items: The World Is Beautiful: Viennese Operetta Arias Jerry Hadley - Golden Days - Tenor hits from the Golden Age of Operetta A Song of Naples - Neapolitan Songs ASIN: B000003FY2 Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

1. Schon Ist Die Welt: 'Schon Ist Die Welt'
2. Der Singende Traum: 'Du Bist Die Welt Fur Mich'
3. Die Csardasfurstin: 'Tanzen Mocht Ich'
4. Die Csardasfurstin: 'Ganz Ohne Weiber Geht Die Chose Nicht'
5. Das Land Des Lachelns: 'Immer Nur Lacheln'
6. Das Land Des Lachelns: 'Von Apfelbluten Einen Kranz'
7. Das Land Des Lachelns: 'Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz'
8. Bruder Straubinger: 'Kussen Ist Keine Sund'
9. Paganini: 'Gern Hab' Ich Die Frau'n Gekubt'
10. Friederike: 'O Madchen, Mein Madchen'
11. Die Rose Von Stambul: 'Ein Walzer Muss Es Sein'
12. Die Rose Von Stambul: 'O Rose Von Stambul'
13. Der Zarewitsch: 'Wolgalied'
14. Der Iachende Ehemann: 'Weinlied'
15. Guiditta: 'Du Bist Meine Sonne'
16. Guiditta: 'Freunde, Das Leben Ist Lebenswert

Customer Reviews:

Not since Wunderlich!!.......2004-03-29

I know it's heresy to say this, but this music hasn't been sung so beautifully by a tenor since the great Fritz Wunderlich.

What is it about Jerry Hadley that no matter what he sings, he seems to be just right for the music.

Oh, yeah - I forgot. It's because he is a fabulous musician and probably the most underrated singer in the world today.

I also have a feeling that no small measure of the success of this effort is the incandescent conducting of Richard Bonynge.

Average customer rating: no texts -- shame on you EMI Very Best of Fritz Wunderlich Wunderlich.. ah what might have been,but glory in what was.. Elegant collection though everything...auf Deutsch!

Very Best of Fritz Wunderlich Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fritz Wunderlich: Great German Tenor Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD] Schubert: Die Schöne Müllerin, 3 Lieder / Fritz Wunderlich The Very Best of Franco Corelli ASIN: B000083GOM Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

1. Nur Ihrem Frieden - Berliner Symphoniker
2. Folget Der Heissgeliebten (Il Mio tesoro) - Berliner Symphoniker
3. Konstanze, Dich Wiederzusehen - Berliner Symphoniker
4. Der Odem Der Liebe (Un' Aura Amorosa) - Berliner Symphoniker
5. Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon - Berliner Symphoniker
6. Ombra Mai Fu - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
7. Ach, So Fromm - Berliner Symphoniker
8. Mit Gewitter Und Sturm - Orchester Der Staatsoper Berlin
9. So Leb' Ich Noch...Vor Deinem Fenster - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
10. Lebe Wohl, Mein Flandrisch' Madchen - Berliner Symphoniker
11. Selig Sind, Die Verfolgung Leiden - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
12. Horch, Die Lerche Singt Im Hain - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
13. Fenton! Mein Madchen - Edith Mathis
14. Armer Narr...Es Muss Gelingen - N/A
15. So Find' Ich Dich...Mein Lieber Schatz, Nun Aufgepasst - Bamberger Symphoniker
16. Wohin Bist Du Entschwunden (Lensky's Aria) - Berliner Symphoniker

Tracks:

1. Leb' Wohl, Mignon (Adieu, Mignon) - Berliner Symphoniker
2. Ich Schloss Die Augen (En Ferment Les Yeux) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
3. Komm, O Holde Dame (Viens, Gentille Dame) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
4. Welche Huld Und Welche Reize (Quanto E Bella) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
5. Wohl Drang Aus Ihrem Herzen (Una Furtiva Lagrima) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
6. Komm In Die Gondel - N/A
7. Ach, Wie So Herrlich Zu Schau'n - Berliner Symphoniker
8. Durch Diesen Kuss Sei Unser Bund Geweiht - Berliner Symphoniker
9. Freunde, Das Leben Ist Lebenswert - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
10. Von Apfelbluten Einen Kranz - N/A
11. Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz - Symphonie - Orchester
12. Allein! Wieder Allein! (Wolgalied) - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
13. Zwei Marchenaugen - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
14. Wenn Es Abend Wird... Grub Mir Mein Wien - N/A
15. Auch Ich Was Ein Feiner Csardaskavalier...Komm, Zigany - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
16. Kleinen Kindern...O Frag Mich Nicht - Symphonie - Orchester Graunke
17. Man Sagt Uns Nach...O Rose Von Stambul - N/A
18. Zwei Augen - Bayerisches Staatsorchester
19. Der Rattenfanger - FFB Orchester

Amazon.com

Fritz Wunderlich is one of those singers whose voice, while you are listening to it, seems to eclipse all others. Ravishingly beautiful, perfectly produced, radiant, even, mellow, it flows out with effortless ease like a golden stream. His breath is endless, and there is nothing that he cannot do. On these two very generous discs he sings arias ranging from Handel to Viennese operettas and sounds equally at home in all of them, vocally and stylistically. Mozart was one of his specialties, and the five arias opening the program have a beguiling, caressing lyricism that melts the heart. The selection includes familiar arias by Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Massenet, Donizetti, Smetana (including a duet with Pilar Lorengar), as well as several by composers whose operas were popular in the 1960s, when the records were made, but have now fallen into oblivion, such as Lortzing, Flotow, Cornelius, Kienzl, Nicolai, Thomas, Boieledieu. Wunderlich sings them all with the same seriousness and commitment, making the lesser ones sound better than they are, and creating real characters with color, nuance and expression. In keeping with the European tradition of performing opera in the local language, he sings everything in German, except the famous "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's Serse, which must have escaped the translators. Choosing from the best operettas by Lehár, Johann Strauss, Millöcker, Kálmán and Fall, he captures their smiling, tongue-in-cheek lightness and never lets the catchy tunes become corny or sentimental. (Listen also to his two very different, but equally wonderful recordings of Mahler's Song of the Earth under Schmidt-Isserstedt on BellaVoce and Klemperer.) In 1966, aged 36, at the peak of his artistry and his career, Wunderlich died after a fall, a month before he was to make his debut at the Metropolitan Opera. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

no texts -- shame on you EMI.......2007-02-11

This is not a gripe about Wunderlich, one of the greatest IMHO. It is about the EMI folks, who obviously think that song texts are irrelevant. Well, how do you know if the singing does justice to the text? And if you think that these texts are easily available elsewhere, I would be most thankful if you would share with me Lehar's "Das Land des L"achelns" Kalman's "die Zirkusprinzessin" or Neuendorff's "Der Rattenf"anger".

Very Best of Fritz Wunderlich.......2007-01-09

Fritz Wunderlich is still one of the Best. This CD is very good value for money, such a variety of songs, excellent tone quality.

Wunderlich.. ah what might have been,but glory in what was.........2004-12-29

Fritz Wunderlich died at the tragically young age of 36, just weeks before his scheduled Metropolitan Opera debut. I have no doubt that he would have been THE tenor of the 1960s and 70s. This collection is a compendium of some of Wunderlich's finest stuff (although his lieder are not represented here). Among the highlights, Granada.
I know, it's a Spanish song, and as the previous reviewer said, everything here is in German, which can get a little annoying with the Italian opera.. but for sheer vocal glory, Granada will make you want to stand up and shout, what a voice!!
If you don't know Wunderlich, get this disc.

Elegant collection though everything...auf Deutsch!.......2004-05-03

Among the lyric tenors, Wunderlich had one of the most handsome voices and a strength not usually related to this type of tenors. One melancholically wonders how much his repertoire could have expanded, had he lived longer.

This new VERY BEST collection has arias of some of his trademark Mozart roles, songs and arias of less popular composers as well as some famous arias of the Italian repertoire. He sings them all with memorable style, unparalleled beauty of tone and - where needed - the right vigour. I only wish he'd escaped the tradition of those decades and recorded the Italian and French arias in their original language and not in German. Only "Ombra mai fu" is sung in Italian and it doesn't reveal any bad Italian accent. Listening for example to his lovely "Una furtiva lagrima" in German is unique for sure but I prefer the Italian version.

His life was brief but the quality of his singing eternal.

Average customer rating: Utterly disapointing Great! charming Something for everyone!

The #1 Choral Album Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Tracks:

1. Nabucco: Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va, Pensiero - Chicago Symphony Chorus
2. Madama Butterfly: Humming Chorus - Vienna State Opera Choir
3. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Walter Hagen-Groll
4. Miserere: Miserere (Abridged) - Sir David Willcocks
5. Cantata No. 147: Jesu Bleibet Meine Freunde (Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring) - Kantorei Der Dreikonigskirche
6. Ave Verum Corpus, K 618 - Stephen Cleobury
7. Cantique De Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
8. L'Enfance Du Christ: Shepherds' Farewell: Il S'en Va Loin De La Terre - St. Anthony Singers
9. Pavane - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
10. Totus Tuus (Excerpt) - John Nelson
11. Ein Deutsches Requiem: Wie Lieblich Sind Deine Wohnungen - Chicago Symphony Chorus
12. Tannhauser: Pilgrims' Chorus: Begluckt Darf Nun Dich - Vienna State Opera Chorus
13. Requiem: Sanctus - Charles Dutoit
14. Requiem: Lacrimosa - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsoperchor
15. Song For Athene - Stephen Cleobury
16. La Damnation De Faust: Laus! Laus! Hosanna! Hosanna! - Chicago Symphony Chorus

Tracks:

1. Requiem: Dies Irae... Tuba Mirum - Vienna State Opera Chorus
2. Il Trovatore: Anvil Chorus: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Symphony Chorus
3. Judas Maccabaeus: See The Conquering Hero Comes - Handel Opera Society Chorus
4. Mass In B Minor: Sanctus - Chicago Symphony Chorus
5. Zadok The Priest - The Choir Of King's College
6. Symphony No.9 'Choral' - Ode To Joy (Fourth Movement - Excerpt) - Jessye Norman
7. Requiem: Dies Irae - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor
8. Die Schopfung: Die Himmel Erzahlen (The Heavens Are Telling) - Norma Burrowes
9. Carmen: Toreador Chorus: Les Voici, Les Voici - John Alldis Choir
10. Elijah: Thanks Be To God - Bryn Terfel
11. Weihnachtsoratorium: Jauchzet, Frohlocket! - Lubecker Kantorei
12. Matthaus-Passion (Final Chorus): Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Chicago Symphony Chorus
13. Mefistofele (Prologue): Ave, Signor Degli Angeli E Dei Santi! - London Opera Chorus
14. Messiah: Hallelujah - Chicago Symphony Chorus
15. Rule Britannia - London Philharmonic Choir
16. Jerusalem - London Philharmonic Choir
17. Carmina Burana: O Fortuna - Choeur Symphonique De Montreal
18. Faust: Soldiers' Chorus: Gloire Immortelle - John McCarthy
19. Faust: Apotheosis - John McCarthy

Customer Reviews:

Utterly disapointing.......2006-12-12

The sound and mixing on these CDs are below anything. It's the type of CD where you constantly have to adjust the volume because some songs are just inaudible and then others come out blaring. Is there anything more annoying? The recording is poor quality. And the interpretations are just bland. A waste of money.

Great!.......2006-02-25

Product was exactly as specified, received fast and in perfect condition. Thank you.

charming.......2005-05-25

i listen to this compilation of songs all of the time. i love to listen to it while drinking my Earl Grey tea. and eating a piping hot english muffin. pure bliss!

Something for everyone!.......2004-01-11

This double CD is certainly worth the small price. The choral music runs the gamut from Bach to John Tavener, all represented by well-known choirs and conductors. Although the music is wonderful, the selctions are not in any order, sometimes creating confusion. But give a listen and if you do not get hooked on the greatest choral music ever written, then you need to crawl back in your cave!

Average customer rating: Too bad we don't have the option of 10 stars.... The greatest lyric tenor of the recorded era. Thrilling lyricism German bel canto indeed

Fritz Wunderlich: Great German Tenor Fritz Wunderlich Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD] The Art of Fritz Wunderlich Schubert: Die Schöne Müllerin, 3 Lieder / Fritz Wunderlich ASIN: B000002S0N Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. Don Giovanni: Folget der Heissgeliebten, Act II
2. Don Giovanni: Welch ein graunvolles Bild, Act I
3. Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail: Konstanze, Dich wiederzusehen
4. Xerxes: Ombra mai fu, Act I
5. Die Weisse Dame: Komm', o holde Dame, Act II
6. Der Liebestrank: Welche Huld und welche Reize, Act I
7. Der Wildschutz: Bleiben soll ich - aus dem Parke erklingen die lieblichen Tone, Act II
8. Der Wildschutz: Ihr Weib? - Mein teures Weib!, Act II
9. Der Barbier von Bagdad: So leb' ich noch - Vor deinem Fenster die Blumen, Act I
10. Martha: Wie das schnattert, wie das plappert, Act I
11. Die Lustigen Weiber Von Windsor Act 2: Fenton! - Mein Madchen, Act II
12. Manon: Ich schloss die Augen, Act II
13. Mignon: Leb' wohl, Mignon, Act II
14. Mignon: Wo bin ich? - Wie strahlt das Gluck auf mich hernieder, Act III

Tracks:

1. Die Verkaufte Braut: Komm', mein Sohnchen, auf ein Wort, Act II
2. Die Verkaufte Braut: So find' ich dich, Feinsliebchen, hier-Mien lieber Schatz, nun aufgepasst, Act II
3. Eugen Onegin: Wohin bist du Entschwunden, Act II
4. Eugen Onegin: Mein Feind! Mein Feind! Wie konnte es geschehen, Act II
5. Pique Dame: Voll Unruh' ist mein Sehnen- Ich muss Sie sprechen, ich Beschwore Sie, Act I
6. Der Evangelimann: Selig sind, die Verfolgung leiden, Act II
7. Rigoletto: Freundlich blick' ich, Act I
8. Rigoletto: O wie so trugerisch, Act II
9. La Boheme: O du sussestes Madchen, Act I
10. La Boheme: In einem Wagen? - Ach, Geliebte, nie kehrst du mir wieder, Act I
11. Madame Butterfly: Ja, es ward Abend - Madchen, in deinen Augen liegt ein Zauber, Act I
12. Madame Butterfly: Leb wohl, Mein Blutenreich, Act III

Tracks:

1. Eine Nacht In Venedig: Ach, wie so herrlich zu schau'n, Act III
2. Eine Nacht In Venedig: Willommen, meine Freunde - Annina! Caramello, Act I
3. Eine Nacht In Venedig: Komm' in die Gondel, Act I
4. Der Bettelstudent: Durch diesen Kuss sei unser Bund geweiht, Act II
5. Giuditta: Frueunde , das Leben ist Lebenswert, Act I
6. Der Zarewitsch: Hab' nur dich allien, Act II
7. Das Land des Lachelns: Von Apfelbluten einen Kranz, Act I
8. Der Zarewitsch: Madel, wonniges Madel- Willst du?- Kosende Wellen- Warum hat jeder Fruhling, ach, nur einen Mai, Act III
9. Grafin Mariza: Wenn es Abend wird- Gruss mir mein Wien, Act I
10. Grafin Mariza: Auch ich war einst ein feiner Csardaskavalier - Komm, Zigany, Act I
11. Der Fidele Bauer: Kleinen Kindern und auch sussen kleinen Frauen- O frag' mich nicht' mein susser Schatz, Act II
12. Die Rose Von Stambul: Man sagt uns nach - O Rose von Stambul, Act I
13. Die Rose Von Stambul: Willst du an die Welt vergessen - Ein Walzer muss es sein, Act II
14. Die Rose Von Stambul: Ihr stillen, sussen Frau'n, Act II
15. Die Rose Von Stambul: Zwei Augen, die wollen mir nicht aus dem sinn, Act III
16. Die Rose Von Stambul: Wenn sich ein Madchen stolz dir zeigt - O Rose von Stambul, Act III
17. Der Rattenfanger
18. Zwei dunkle Augen

Customer Reviews:

Too bad we don't have the option of 10 stars...........2006-05-24

I just finished again listening to this CD that I've had for maybe fifteen years. I most often prefer complete operas, but of course those are not always available. For me, Fritz Wunderlich can do not wrong, although a very knowledgeable friend of mind objects to his German. I think his German is top drawer, but it's not my native language.

Il mio tesoro... has never been high on my list of arias, but when Wunderlich sings it as Folget der Heiffgeliebten... it took me many hearings before I stopped crying at the first two notes. Tearing is one thing, crying is a bit silly, but there it is.

His exquisite singing is only once slightly under pitch (I really don't care; I only remember it). Moreover, he has friends on this CD -- Grummer, Lorengar, Prey, Frick...

I think I have everything he recorded that appears on CD and I also have a DVD of the Barber -- in German, of course. My only discomfort is with Koeth who is a good singer, but of course a lyric and not a mezzo or even close to one.

The greatest lyric tenor of the recorded era........2002-07-24

Fritz Wunderlich had it all -- an incredibly beautiful voice and the artistry to use it with drama or tenderness, as the music called for. He also had genuine emotional and musical integrity. He was almost certainly the greatest lyric tenor of the recorded era. Regretably, he died in an accident in his mid 30s. But, although his recorded career was short, he left a surprisingly large legacy of outstanding recordings, many of which are included in this 3-CD set. Some people may be put off because Wunderlich sang famous Italian, French, and Russian arias in German. PLEASE don't let that keep you from acquiring these recordings. When you hear Wunderlich sing, the language in which he is singing will seem inconsequential. Only the incredible beauty and artistry of his singing will matter. This man was special and so is this collection.

Thrilling lyricism.......2001-10-10

Fritz who? You may well ask, for the great Fritz Wunderlich died before he'd ever achieved true international stardom. But to my ears, at least, he possessed the most beautiful lyric tenor voice on record. He had it all - superb musicality, power, warmth, and a gorgeous and immediately recognisable timbre. He could also be exciting when he wanted to, as his tour de force performance of Granada (available elsewhere) thrillingly proves. Wunderlich's death in 1966 - a few days short of his 36th birthday - deprived music lovers of a fantastic talent.



This 3CD set reinforces that loss. Among the many highlights included here is an unforgettable Folget der Heissgeliebten (Il Mio Tesoro) from Don Giovanni. It matters not a jot that Wunderlich is singing in German rather than Italian. He knew how to overcome the relative harshness of the German language with his poetic phrasing and honeyed diction. Here his breath control is amazing, and his passion transforms the character of Don Ottavio from a one-dimensional fop into a red-blooded hero. Tremendous stuff.



But for me his greatest achievement is his rendition of the aria Komm, O Holde Dame from Boieldieu's La Dame Blanche, featured on Disc One. Play this first, and you'll be entranced by the beauty of Wunderlich's faultless legato, then thrilled by the intensity and energy of the conclusion. (Admirers of Mario Lanza will note how similar Wunderlich sounds here when he reaches for the high notes.)



Showcasing Wunderlich's achievements in both opera and operetta, this set is the perfect introduction to one of the greatest tenors of them all. If you enjoy this, I'd also recommend his Deutsche Gramophon 5-CD set (simply entitled "Fritz Wunderlich"), which includes a sublime Pearlfishers Duet with Herman Prey and the aforementioned Granada.

German bel canto indeed.......1999-06-13

This three CD set of Wunderlich is a gem. It features one of the most beautiful pure lyric tenor voices of the century at its absolute best. Though Wunderlich sings all the arias, including the Italian and French ones, in German, his innate musical understanding of the composers and the pieces conveys a musical and emotional authenticity rarely matched in other recordings. Listening to these arias, one can understand why Wunderlich's singing is described as "German bel canto": Wunderlich combines the German fine sense of musicianship, musical intelligence, and style with the Italian attributes of purity and evenness of timbre, open throated singing and excuisite legato phrasing. Just listen to the perfect rendition of "Komm holde dame" in the first CD, with its effortless, floating high notes and even bel canto style singing. Compare this with Wunderlich's interpretation of Pinkerton in the duet and aria from Butterfly, with its perfect diction and phrasing, singing that displays a complete understanding of Puccini's melodic line. And, for sheer joy and delight, to feel good about yourself and humanity, listen to the operetta arias of the third CD. This is the greatest recording of operetta arias in the world. Wunderlich loved to sing these songs and brought an enthusiam and flair to these arias that is simply infectious for the listener. If you've never heard Wunderlich, this is your golden opportunity to acquient yourself with one of the greatest voices of the century.

International Music:

1. Frie Für Dich [Import]
2. Geny [Import]
3. Goddaughter
4. Heiss Wie Schnee/Schattenreiter
5. Ich Liebe Dich [Import]
6. Ich Will Leben [Import]
7. If You Smile [Import]
8. Im Elektromagnetischen Feld [Import]
9. Imagens Sonoras - Paisagens Do Vento [Import]
10. In Liebe (Meine Schönsten Balladen)

International Music

International Music