Frau Luna

Paul Lincke's "Frau Luna" is a delightful operetta that stands as a testament to Berlin's rich musical heritage. Originally premiering in 1899, this operetta was Berlin's first major homegrown operetta hit, relocating the plot of Jacques Offenbach's "Le voyage dans la lune" to the charming banks of the Spree. This album, released on CPO Records, offers a completely unabridged performance, recorded in 2006 at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall and produced at the Cologne Funkhaus.

The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including Maria Leyer, René Kollo, and Lotti Krekel, accompanied by the WDR Radio Orchestra, Cologne, under the baton of Helmuth Froschauer. The operetta is divided into two acts, filled with witty dialogues, enchanting arias, and lively ensembles that showcase Lincke's mastery of the operetta form. Highlights include the humorous "Schutzmannmarsch," the romantic duet "Schenk mir doch ein kleines bisschen Liebe," and the rousing finale "Das macht die Berliner Luft."

With a duration of 1 hour and 50 minutes spread across two discs, this album provides a comprehensive and immersive experience of Paul Lincke's seminal work. The release date is April 7, 2023, and the album is available in CD format. Whether you're a seasoned operetta enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Frau Luna" offers a captivating journey into the world of late 19th-century Berlin, filled with humor, romance, and unforgettable melodies.