Christa Ludwig - The Essentials is a captivating compilation that showcases the incredible vocal range and artistry of the renowned mezzo-soprano, Christa Ludwig. Released on 2 March 2018 by Deutsche Grammophon, this exquisite album is a treasure trove of classical music, featuring a carefully curated selection of operatic arias, lieder, and orchestral pieces.
With a duration of 1 hour and 54 minutes, this album takes you on a journey through the world of opera and classical music, highlighting Ludwig's mastery of genres such as opera, requiem, and classical. From the iconic "Non so più cosa son, cosa faccio" from Le nozze di Figaro to the poignant "Mondnacht" from Liederkreis, Op. 39, each track demonstrates Ludwig's technical precision, expressive nuance, and deep emotional understanding.
The album's diverse tracklist also features notable works such as "Ave Maria", "Gretchen am Spinnrade", and "Der Tod und das Mädchen", showcasing Ludwig's ability to convey the complexity and richness of the human experience through music. Additionally, the inclusion of live recordings, such as "Da geht er hin" from Der Rosenkavalier, captures the electric atmosphere of a live performance, transporting the listener to the grandeur of the opera house.
Throughout the album, Ludwig's voice shines with warmth, intelligence, and a deep connection to the music, making Christa Ludwig - The Essentials a must-have for fans of classical music and opera. This essential collection is a testament to Ludwig's enduring legacy as one of the most beloved and respected vocal artists of our time.
NocturneCésar Franck, Christa Ludwig, Orchestre de Paris, Daniel Barenboim
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": IV. Urlicht. O Röschen rot! - LiveGustav Mahler, Christa Ludwig, New York Philharmonic, Leonard Bernstein
Gretchen am Spinnrade, Op. 2, D. 118Franz Schubert, Christa Ludwig, Irwin Gage
Italienisches Liederbuch: No. 1, Auch kleine DingeHugo Wolf, Christa Ludwig, Daniel Barenboim
Liederkreis, Op. 39: V. MondnachtRobert Schumann, Christa Ludwig, Erik Werba
Candide, Act I: No. 14, I Am Easily Assimilated (Old Lady's Tango)Leonard Bernstein, Christa Ludwig, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Candide, Act II: No. 27, What's the UseLeonard Bernstein, Christa Ludwig, Nicolai Gedda, John Treleavan, Kurt Ollmann, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra
Così fan tutte, K.588 / Act I: "Ah, scostati!"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christa Ludwig, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Le nozze di Figaro, K.492 / Act II: "Voi che sapete"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christa Ludwig, Wiener Symphoniker, Karl Böhm
Der Tod und das Mädchen, Op. 7/3, D. 531Franz Schubert, Christa Ludwig, Irwin Gage
Lieder der Mignon: IX. Mignon: "Kennst du das Land"Hugo Wolf, Christa Ludwig, Erik Werba
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Part One - For the First Day of Christmas: No. 4: "Bereite dich, Zion"Johann Sebastian Bach, Christa Ludwig, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Act I: Da geht er hin - Live at Grosses Festspielhaus, Salzburg Festival, 1969Richard Strauss, Christa Ludwig, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Un ballo in maschera / Act I: "Zitti...Re dell' abisso"Giuseppe Verdi, Christa Ludwig, The London Opera Chorus, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Liederkreis, Op. 39: IX. WehmutRobert Schumann, Christa Ludwig, Erik Werba
Suor Angelica: Nel silenzio di quei raccoglimentiGiacomo Puccini, Christa Ludwig, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge
Pelléas et Mélisande, CD 93, Act I: Voici ce qu'il écrit à son frèreClaude Debussy, Christa Ludwig, Wiener Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Winterreise, Op. 89, D. 911: IV. ErstarrungFranz Schubert, Christa Ludwig, James Levine
Winterreise, Op. 89, D. 911: VII. Auf dem FlusseFranz Schubert, Christa Ludwig, James Levine
Winterreise, Op. 89, D. 911: XI. FrühlingstraumFranz Schubert, Christa Ludwig, James Levine
Frühlingsglaube, Op. 20/2, D. 686Franz Schubert, Christa Ludwig, Irwin Gage
Tristan und Isolde, WWV 90 / Act II: "O sink hernieder, Nacht der Liebe" - "Einsam wachend" - ExcerptRichard Wagner, Christa Ludwig, Birgit Nilsson, Wolfgang Windgassen, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Karl Böhm
Rhapsody for Alto, Chorus, and Orchestra, Op. 53Johannes Brahms, Christa Ludwig, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm, Wiener Singverein