Step back in time to the golden age of opera with "Lauritz Melchior in Concert 1944 - 1949," a captivating collection of live performances by the legendary tenor Lauritz Melchior. This album, released by Andromeda, offers a unique opportunity to experience the power and beauty of Melchior's voice as it was heard by audiences in the mid-20th century.
Spanning nearly three hours, the album features 24 tracks, including iconic arias from Wagner's operas such as "Lohengrin" and "Tristan und Isolde," as well as beloved pieces from "I Pagliacci" and "Tosca." Melchior's rich, dramatic tenor soars through these works, showcasing his extraordinary range and expressive power. The album also includes a fascinating 81st birthday interview with Melchior, providing insight into the life and career of this remarkable artist.
Accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of the San Francisco Opera House, Melchior is joined by notable artists such as Helen Traubel, Judy Garland, and Danny Kaye in this historic recording. The album captures the energy and excitement of live performance, with broadcast announcements and introductions adding to the authenticity of the experience.
"Lauritz Melchior in Concert 1944 - 1949" is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and fans of classic vocal performances. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Melchior's work or discovering his artistry for the first time, this album offers a compelling journey through some of the most beloved works in the operatic repertoire.
(C) 2021 Andromeda(P) 2021 Andromeda
Tracks
Broadcast Introduction: IntroductionRichard Wagner, Jack Little
Lohengrin: In fernem LandRichard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy
Broadcast announcement aRichard Wagner, Jack Little
Lohengrin: Das süsse Lied verhalltRichard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Helen Traubel, Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy
Broadcast announcementRichard Wagner, Jack Little
Tristan und Isolde: Wie lachend sie mir Lieder singenRichard Wagner, Helen Traubel, Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy
Broadcast announcement bRichard Wagner, Jack Little
Tristan und Isolde: O sink herniederRichard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Helen Traubel, Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy
I Pagliacci: Vesti la GiubbaRuggero Leoncavallo, Judy Garland, Danny Kay, Lauritz Melchior
Danish Hunting SongTradditional, Lauritz Melchior, Piano
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Morgendlich leuchtend im hellen ScheinRichard Wagner, Unknown, Lauritz Melchior, San Francisco Opera House, Alfred Wallenstein
Lauritz Melchior, born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and later becoming an American citizen, was a towering figure in the world of opera, renowned for his powerful and distinctive voice. As the preeminent Wagnerian heldentenor of the 1920s through the 1940s, Melchior's performances were celebrated for their dramatic intensity and vocal prowess, particularly in the works of Richard Wagner. His career spanned opera houses worldwide, and he later expanded his reach into film, radio, and television, captivating audiences with his charisma and artistry. Melchior's legacy endures through his extensive discography and the Lauritz Melchior International Singing Competition, which continues to honor his contributions to the operatic world.
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Lauritz Melchior
