Track Listing

1. Der Opernball, operetta: Im chambre separee
2. Der Vogelh�ndler, operetta: Icn Bin Die Christel Von Der Post
3. Der Vogelh�ndler, operetta: Schenkt Man Sich Rosen In Tirol (Rosenlied)
4. Der Zarewitsch, operetta in 3 acts: Einer Wird Kommen (Sonia's Song)
5. Der Graf von Luxemburg, operetta in 3 acts: Hoch, Evo�, Ang�le Didier
6. Casanova, musical comedy (Strauss works arr. by Benatzky): Nonnenchor (Nuns' Chorus) & Lauras Lied
7. Gr�fin Dubarry, operetta: Ich Schenk' Mein Herz
8. Gr�fin Dubarry, operetta: Was Ich Im Leben Beginne (Jeanne's Song)
9. Boccaccio, operetta: Hab' Ich Nur Deine Liebe (Fiametta's Song)
10. Der Graf von Luxemburg, operetta in 3 acts: Heut' Noch Werd' Ich Ehefrau (Ang�le's Entrance)
11. Der Obersteiger, operetta: Sei Nicht B�s'
12. Giuditta, opera in 5 acts: Meine Lippen, Sie K�ssen So Hei�
13. Wien, du Stadt meiner Tr�ume ('Wien, Wien, nur du allein')

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #103400 in Music
• Released on: 1999-05-04
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

Amazon.com
This most serious and studious of German sopranos has a grand time--with no hint of condescension--in this collection of Viennese operetta arias, treating them with a meticulous musicality they rarely receive. In fact, lots of this music written by now-obscure names such as Heuberger, Zeller and Millocker isn't heard at all. But these isolated arias are marvelously lyrical and ingratiating with some deliciously comic counterpoint. One highpoint is the Nuns Chorus from Casanova, in which Elisabeth Schwarzkopf's voice soars above her fellow nuns, longing for her lover to rescue her from the cloister. It's some of the most unbuttoned singing of her career. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews

Schwarzkopf outshines all other sopranos.
I remember the first time I put this record on with a lawyer friend of mine . It was in the good old LP days. We were absolutely stunned by it 's exquisite beauty . It left us totally speechless for quite a while.Of course we knew Dame Schwarzkop 's many opera recordings and the Bayreuth '51 Beethoven 9th ( Furtwängler ) etc. But to listen to her in this material ( and "Fledermaus " ) was a revelation. Never to be forgotten. By the way , I have read interviews , where singers say it being more difficult to sing " Die Fledermaus " than it is to sing Wagner!

The Charm Of Schwarzkopf: Vienna Opera
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was the leading German lyric soprano of her time directly after World War II- the 50's and 60's. Her Marschallin from Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier is unbeaten and the definative best interpretation. This recording features her singing comfortably in the language she knew best, German, in arias from Vienna light operas. There is so much class and elegance, combined with charming warmth and beauty to the singing voice of Schwarzkopff. Another treasure to hear and a great complimentary addition to this album is Schwarzkopf singing German Lieder. Her diction was perfect, her melodic lines bubbly with sincere human warmth. In this album, I think you'll like the opening aria "Im Chambre Separee" from Der Opernball. There is a uniquely French sound to the aria and to Schwarzkopf's rendition, that has sophistication and European aestheticism written all over it. The other arias are beautiful to listen to as well, including the arias from Der Zarewitsch, Grafin Dubarry, Graf Von Luxemburg, Boccacio and Giuditta.

Naturally, since this is taken from the original Long Playing album record, it sounds very old fashioned and dated. I did'nt hear any scratches or disruptions, so for the most part it's highly enjoyable and lovingly remastered for a cd. Schwarzkopf classic voice does seem to fit more suitably on the LP of a phonograph in a stylish salon in Paris or Vienna. I can imagine when she was singing in person and recording these albums, people were goo-ga ga over her. But even if you don't own a record player and you are up to date with the latest sound system technology, this will bring you back to the days when people crowded around parlors,either to their radios or phonographs and had conversations and drank champagne in genuine taste and good cheer. This will definately want to make you drink some fine champagne.

Glorious
If you love exuberant melody, you'll love this album. It's a pity this music isn't sung more often now. Schwarzkopf's voice is glorious, and the selection of pieces is terrific.