Immerse yourself in the rich, resonant world of Alexander Kipnis, one of the most celebrated bass singers of the early 20th century, with this comprehensive collection of his operatic and lied recordings. Spanning from 1922 to 1939, this double album offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of Kipnis in a variety of roles and styles, showcasing his remarkable vocal prowess and interpretive depth.
This album features a diverse range of works, from iconic opera arias to beloved lieder. Kipnis's performances are marked by their technical brilliance and profound musicality, making this collection an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's library. The album includes selections from operas by Giuseppe Verdi, such as "Simon Boccanegra" and "Don Carlo," as well as works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Wagner, and Franz Schubert. Each track is a testament to Kipnis's ability to bring depth and nuance to every role he undertakes.
The album also includes lesser-known but equally captivating pieces, such as "Der Wildschütz" by Albert Lortzing and "Martha" by Friedrich von Flotow, highlighting Kipnis's versatility and mastery of different musical styles. The lieder selections, including works by Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann, offer a more intimate glimpse into Kipnis's artistry, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion and subtlety.
Recorded over several decades, this collection provides a historical snapshot of Kipnis's career, allowing listeners to appreciate the evolution of his voice and his enduring legacy. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The high-quality recordings ensure that every note and nuance is captured, providing an authentic and immersive experience of Alexander Kipnis's extraordinary talent.
(C) 1997 Nimbus Records Limited
Tracks
Simon Boccanegra: A te l'estremo addio...Il lacerato spirito (Recorded 1931)Giuseppe Verdi, Alexander Kipnis, Erich Orthmann, Staatskapelle Berlin
Don Carlo: Sie hat mich nie geliebt…Könnte doch die Krone (Ella giammai m'amo) (Recorded 1930)Giuseppe Verdi, Alexander Kipnis, Clemens Schmalstich, Staatskapelle Berlin
Il barbiere di Siviglia: Die Verleumdung, sie ist ein Lüftchen (La calunnia è un venticello) (Recorded 1931)Gioachino Rossini, Alexander Kipnis, Erich Orthmann, Staatskapelle Berlin
Die Entführung aus dem serail, K. 384: Wer ein Liebchen hat gefunden (Recorded 1931)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexander Kipnis, Erich Orthmann, Staatskapelle Berlin
Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492: Rache Arie (La vendetta) (Recorded 1931)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexander Kipnis, Else Ruziczka, Fritz Wolff, Erich Orthmann, Staatskapelle Berlin
Don Giovanni, K. 527: Register-Arie (Madamina!) (Recorded 1930)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexander Kipnis, Clemens Schmalstich, Staatskapelle Berlin
Der Wildschütz: Fünftausend Taler (Recorded 1931)Albert Lortzing, Alexander Kipnis, Erich Orthmann, Staatskapelle Berlin
Der Freischutz, Op. 77: Hier im ird'schen Jammertal (Recorded 1930)Carl Maria von Weber, Alexander Kipnis, Clemens Schmalstich, Staatskapelle Berlin
Martha: Lasst mich euch fragen (Porterlied) (Recorded 1930)Friedrich von Flotow, Alexander Kipnis, Clemens Schmalstich, Staatskapelle Berlin
Faust: Vous qui faîtes l'endormie (Recorded 1930)Charles Gounod, Alexander Kipnis, Clemens Schmalstich, Staatskapelle Berlin
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV. 96: Das schöne Fest, Johannistag (Recorded 1926)Richard Wagner, Alexander Kipnis, Erich Orthmann, Staatskapelle Berlin
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV. 96: Verachtet mir die Meister nicht (Recorded 1926)Richard Wagner, Alexander Kipnis, Leo Blech, Staatskapelle Berlin
Parsifal, WWV. 111: So ward es uns verhiessen (Good Friday Music) (Recorded 1927)Richard Wagner, Alexander Kipnis, Siegfried Wagner, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Die Walküre, WWV. 86B: Leb' wohl du kühnes herzliches Kind (Wotan's Abschied) (Recorded 1926)Richard Wagner, Alexander Kipnis, Leo Blech, Staatskapelle Berlin
Ariodante, HWV 33: Al sen ti stringo e parto (Recorded 1930)George Frideric Handel, Alexander Kipnis, Arthur Bergh, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Berenice, HWV 38: Si, tra i ceppi (Recorded 1929)George Frideric Handel, Alexander Kipnis, Arthur Bergh, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Heidenröslein, D. 257 (Recorded 1936)Franz Schubert, Alexander Kipnis, Gerald Moore, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Die schöne Müllerin, D. 795: Ungeduld (Recorded 1936)Franz Schubert, Alexander Kipnis, Gerald Moore, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Erlkönig, D. 328 (Recorded 1939)Franz Schubert, Alexander Kipnis, Celius Dougherty, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Der Wanderer, D. 493 (Recorded 1927)Franz Schubert, Alexander Kipnis, Frank Bibb, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Winterreise, D. 911: Der Lindenbaum (Recorded 1928)Franz Schubert, Alexander Kipnis, Frank Bibb, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Winterreise, D. 911: Der Wegweiser (Recorded 1927)Franz Schubert, Alexander Kipnis, Frank Bibb, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Schwanengesang, D. 957: Aufenthalt (Recorded 1928)Franz Schubert, Alexander Kipnis, Frank Bibb, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Schwanengesang, D. 957: Am Meer (Recorded 1928)Franz Schubert, Alexander Kipnis, Frank Bibb, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Schwanengesang, D. 957: Der Doppelgänger (Recorded 1927)Franz Schubert, Alexander Kipnis, Frank Bibb, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Die beiden Grenadiere, Op. 49 (Recorded 1939)Robert Schumann, Alexander Kipnis, Celius Dougherty, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
5 Lieder, Op. 105: No. 4, Auf dem Kirchhofe (Recorded 1929)Johannes Brahms, Alexander Kipnis, Arthur Bergh, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
5 Lieder, Op. 105: No. 2, Immer leiser wird mein Schlummer (Recorded 1929)Johannes Brahms, Alexander Kipnis, Arthur Bergh, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
6 Lieder, Op. 86: No. 2, Feldeinsamkeit (Recorded 1929)Johannes Brahms, Alexander Kipnis, Arthur Bergh, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
5 Lieder, Op. 94: No. 4, Sapphische Ode (Recorded 1929)Johannes Brahms, Alexander Kipnis, Arthur Bergh, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
I Vespri Siciliani: O tu Palermo (Recorded 1922)Giuseppe Verdi, Alexander Kipnis, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Don Carlo: Ella giammai m'amo (Recorded 1923)Giuseppe Verdi, Alexander Kipnis, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Der Barbier von Baghdad: So schwärmet Jugend (Recorded 1923)Peter Cornelius, Alexander Kipnis, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Schmalstich, Leo Blech, Siegfried Wagner, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
Alexander Kipnis, a Russian-born operatic bass, captivated audiences with his profound artistry and rich vocal endowment. Initially gaining prominence in Europe, Kipnis later became an American citizen in 1931. His powerful performances, particularly in heavy roles, spanned over three decades, showcasing his versatility and mastery. Kipnis is renowned for his stunning interpretations of Wagner's Wotan and Sachs, as well as his compelling delivery of various songs and arias. His ability to embody characters with depth and musicality made him a formidable presence on stage. Whether performing in Chicago or making his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1940, Kipnis's legacy endures as one of the most beautiful bass voices of his time.