Fritz Wunderlich's "Und es blitzten die Sterne" is a captivating collection of operatic arias, released on January 1, 1995, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. This album showcases the extraordinary vocal talents of Fritz Wunderlich, one of the most celebrated tenors of the 20th century, as he performs a diverse selection of arias in German from some of the most beloved operas in the classical repertoire.
Spanning a little under an hour, the album features 13 tracks from iconic operas by composers such as Mozart, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Lortzing, Rossini, and Puccini. Wunderlich's exquisite voice and impeccable technique shine through in each performance, offering a rich and nuanced interpretation of these timeless pieces. From the enchanting melodies of Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte" and "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" to the dramatic intensity of Verdi's "La traviata" and "Don Carlo," the album showcases the versatility and depth of Wunderlich's artistry.
Accompanied by renowned orchestras and conductors, including Eugen Jochum and Bruno Bartoletti, this album is a testament to Wunderlich's enduring legacy and his ability to bring each character and story to life. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Und es blitzten die Sterne" offers a compelling introduction to the world of operatic arias, highlighting the beauty and power of classical vocal music.
Die Zauberflöte, K. 620, Act I: No. 3, Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schönWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Fritz Wunderlich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Die Entführung aus dem Serail, K. 384 / Act I: "Hier soll ich dich denn sehen"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Fritz Wunderlich, Bavarian State Orchestra, Eugen Jochum
Die Entführung aus dem Serail, K. 384 / Act II: "Wenn der Freude Tränen fließen"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Fritz Wunderlich, Bavarian State Orchestra, Eugen Jochum
La traviata / Act 1: "O Freunde, so leeret in vollen Zügen"Giuseppe Verdi, Hilde Gueden, Claudia Hellmann, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Günter Missenhardt, Fritz Wunderlich, Friedrich Lenz, Hans Bruno Ernst, Karl Christian Kohn, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Bartoletti, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Wolfgang Schubert
La traviata / Act 3: "O, laß uns fliehen aus diesen Mauern"Giuseppe Verdi, Hilde Gueden, Fritz Wunderlich, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Bartoletti
Eugene Onegin, Op. 24, Act II: Wohin seid ihr entschwundenPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Fritz Wunderlich, Orchester der Bayerischen Staatsoper München, Otto Gerdes
Zar und Zimmermann, LoWV 38 / Act 2: "Lebe wohl, mein flandrisch MädchenAlbert Lortzing, Ingeborg Hallstein, Fritz Wunderlich, Bamberg Symphony, Hans Gierster, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Wolfgang Schubert
Der Waffenschmied / Act 1: "Man wird ja nur einmal geboren"Albert Lortzing, Fritz Wunderlich, Munich Radio Orchestra, Hans Moltkau
Il barbiere di Siviglia / Act 1: "Strahlt auf mich der Blitz des Goldes"Gioachino Rossini, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Munich Radio Orchestra, Kurt Eichhorn
Rigoletto / Act 1: "Ich denk ihn lieber mir von meinen Stande" - "Liebe ist Seligkeit, ist Licht und Leben"Giuseppe Verdi, Fritz Wunderlich, Erika Köth, Munich Radio Orchestra, Kurt Eichhorn
Don Carlo / Act 2: "Er ist's! Carlos! Mein Prinz!" - "Gott, der entflammte der Liebe heisse Glut"Giuseppe Verdi, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Munich Radio Orchestra, Horst Stein
La Bohème / Act 4: "Infame Feder! Welch scheusslicher Pinsel!" - "Ach, Geliebte, nie kehrst du mir wieder!"Giacomo Puccini, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Munich Radio Orchestra, Kurt Eichhorn
Tosca / Act 3: "Und es blitzten die Sterne"Giacomo Puccini, Fritz Wunderlich, Orchestra of the Südwestfunk, Emmerich Smola