Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of operatic history with "Great Singers at the Berlin State Opera" featuring the incomparable Erna Berger, a renowned soprano whose voice captivated audiences throughout the 20th century. This album, released in 1993 by Prima Voce, is a treasure trove of operatic arias, showcasing Berger's extraordinary vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, the album is a testament to Berger's versatility, as she navigates through a diverse repertoire of works by composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, and Wagner. Each track is a masterclass in vocal technique and dramatic expression, recorded between 1927 and 1939, offering a glimpse into the golden age of opera.
From the tender and intimate "Ach, ich liebte, war so glücklich" from Mozart's "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" to the powerful and dramatic "Allmächt'ger Vater, blick' herab" from Wagner's "Rienzi," Berger's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. Her rendition of "Il balen del suo sorriso" from Verdi's "Il Trovatore" is a highlight, showcasing her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength in a single performance.
The album also features collaborations with other notable artists, including Henriette Gottlieb and Marcel Wittrisch, adding depth and richness to the overall listening experience. Conducted by esteemed conductors such as Fritz Zweig and Cornelius Kun, the Berlin State Opera Orchestra provides a lush and immersive backdrop to Berger's performances.
Whether you are an opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Great Singers at the Berlin State Opera" is an essential addition to your music collection. Erna Berger's timeless performances continue to inspire and captivate, making this album a true gem for any music lover.
(C) 1993 Nimbus Records Limited
Tracks
Die Entführung aus dem serail, K. 384: Ach, ich liebte, war so glücklich (Recorded 1939)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Margherita Perras, Bruno Seidler - Winkler, Staatskapelle Berlin
Fidelio, Op. 72: Mir ist so wunderbar (Recorded 1935)Ludwig van Beethoven, Erna Berger, Henriette Gottlieb, Marcel Wittrisch, Willi Domgraf-Fassbaender, Fritz Zweig, Staatskapelle Berlin
Don Pasquale: Tornami a dir (Recorded 1939)Gaetano Donizetti, Erna Berger, Gino Sinimberghi, Bruno Seidler - Winkler, Fritz Zweig, Alois Melichar, Leo Blech, Albert Coates, Clemens Schmalstich, Johannes Schüler, Hanns Udo Müller, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Krauss, Staatskapelle Berlin
Rienzi, WWV. 49: Allmächt'ger Vater, blick' herab (Recorded 1930)Richard Wagner, Franz Völker, Alois Melichar, Staatskapelle Berlin
Der fliegende Hollander, WWV. 63: Wie aus der Ferne (Recorded 1927)Richard Wagner, Friedrich Schorr, Leo Blech, Staatskapelle Berlin
Tannhäuser, WWV. 70: Dich, teure Halle (Recorded 1934)Richard Wagner, Tiana Lemnitz, Bruno Seidler - Winkler, Fritz Zweig, Alois Melichar, Leo Blech, Albert Coates, Clemens Schmalstich, Johannes Schüler, Hanns Udo Müller, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Krauss, Staatskapelle Berlin, London Symphony Orchestra
Tannhäuser, WWV. 70: Inbrunst im Herzen…Das sah ich ihn (Recorded 1929)Richard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Albert Coates, London Symphony Orchestra
Tristan und Isolde, WWV. 90: Doch nun von Tristan…Er schwur mit tausend Eiden (Recorded 1928)Richard Wagner, Frida Leider, Elfriede Marherr-Wagner, Leo Blech, Staatskapelle Berlin
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV. 96: Am stillen Herd (Recorded 1930)Richard Wagner, Max Lorenz, Clemens Schmalstich, Staatskapelle Berlin
Il Trovatore: Il balen del suo sorriso (Recorded 1937)Giuseppe Verdi, Heinrich Schlusnus, Johannes Schüler, Staatskapelle Berlin
La Traviata: De' miei bollenti spiriti (Recorded 1935)Giuseppe Verdi, Helge Roswaenge, Bruno Seidler - Winkler, Staatskapelle Berlin
Hansel und Gretel: Besenbinderlied (Recorded 1937)Engelbert Humperdinck, Gerhard Hüsch, Hanns Udo Müller, Staatskapelle Berlin
La Bohème: Si, mi chiamano Mimi…O soave funciulla (Recorded 1932)Giacomo Puccini, Maria Cebotari, Marcel Wittrisch, Fritz Zweig, Staatskapelle Berlin
Turandot: Signore, ascolta (Recorded 1927)Giacomo Puccini, Lotte Schöne, Fritz Zweig, Staatskapelle Berlin
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59: Herr Kavalier (Letter Scene and Waltz) (Recorded 1931)Richard Strauss, Alexander Kipnis, Else Ruziczka, Erich Orthmann, Staatskapelle Berlin
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59: Ist ein Traum, kann nicht wirlich sein (Recorded 1936)Richard Strauss, Erna Berger, Tiana Lemnitz, Clemens Krauss, Staatskapelle Berlin