Immerse yourself in the powerful and resonant voice of Lauritz Melchior, one of the most celebrated heldentenors of the 20th century, with his album "The King Size Hero, Vol. 8." Released on June 1, 2014, under the Documents label, this operatic masterpiece spans a captivating 77 minutes, showcasing Melchior's unparalleled vocal prowess and dramatic intensity.
This album is a treasure trove of iconic arias and excerpts from some of the most revered operas in the classical repertoire. From the haunting beauty of "E lucevan le stelle" from Puccini's "Tosca" to the triumphant "Niun me tema" from Verdi's "Otello," Melchior's performances are nothing short of electrifying. His rendition of Wagner's "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" and "Die Walkure" highlights his deep connection to the composer's works, earning him the title "The King of the High C's."
Melchior's interpretation of these roles is infused with a unique blend of power, passion, and vulnerability, embodying the essence of the heroic characters he portrays. His ability to convey the emotional depth and dramatic nuance of each piece is a testament to his artistry and the reason he remains a legend in the world of opera.
Whether you are an avid opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Lauritz Melchior's "The King Size Hero, Vol. 8" is a celebration of his extraordinary talent and a must-listen for anyone appreciating the grandeur and complexity of operatic music.
2014 Documents2014 Documents
Tracks
L'Africaine, Act IV: L' Africaine (The African Maid), Act IV: Land so wunderbarGiacomo Meyerbeer, Lauritz Melchior, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Pagliacci, Act I: Jetzt spielenRuggero Leoncavallo, Lauritz Melchior, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Tosca: Act I: Wie sich die bilder gleichenGiacomo Puccini, Lauritz Melchior, MGM Studio Orchestra, Giacomo Spadoni
Tosca: Act III: E lucevan le stelleGiacomo Puccini, Lauritz Melchior, MGM Studio Orchestra, Giacomo Spadoni
La traviata, Act II: Hat dein heimatliches LandGiuseppe Verdi, Lauritz Melchior, Artist Unknown
Aida (Sung in German): Aida, Act IV: Schon sind die Priester all' vereintGiuseppe Verdi, Lauritz Melchior, Margarethe Arndt-Ober, Artist Unknown
Otello: Otello, Act II: Ora e per sempre addioGiuseppe Verdi, Lauritz Melchior, Artist Unknown
Otello: Otello, Act II: Si per ciel marmoreo giuroGiuseppe Verdi, Lauritz Melchior, Herbert Janssen, Artist Unknown
Otello (Sung in German): Act III: Dio! Mi potevi scagliarGiuseppe Verdi, Lauritz Melchior, New Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Otello (Sung in German): Act IV: Niun me temaGiuseppe Verdi, Lauritz Melchior, New Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Die Walkure, Act I: Wintersturme wichen dem WonnemondRichard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Artist Unknown
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg), Act III: Morgenlich leuchtend in rosigem ScheinRichard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Artist Unknown
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg), Act I: Am stillen Herd in WinterszeitRichard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, London Symphony Orchestra, Lawrance Collingwood
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg), Act III: Abendlich gluhendRichard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Friedrich Schorr, London Symphony Orchestra, Robert Heger
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg), Act III: Selig wie die SonneRichard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Elisabeth Schumann, Gladys Parr, Friedrich Schorr, Ben Williams, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Rienzi: Rienzi, Act V: Allmacht'ger Vater, blick herabRichard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
5 Gedichte für eine Frauenstimme, "Wesendonck Lieder": No. 4. Schmerzen (Pain)Richard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Artist Unknown
5 Gedichte für eine Frauenstimme, "Wesendonck Lieder": No. 5. Traume (Dreams)Richard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Artist Unknown
Liebesfeier, Op. 16, No. 2Felix Weingärtner, Lauritz Melchior, Artist Unknown