Indulge in the enchanting world of operetta with Lucia Popp's captivating album, "Wiener Operettenarien," released on May 3, 2024, under Warner Classics. This exquisite collection showcases Popp's remarkable vocal prowess and versatility, spanning her early coloratura soprano days to her later success in the lyric repertoire. The album is a delightful journey through some of the most beloved operetta arias, featuring works by renowned composers such as Johann Strauss II, Franz Lehár, and Carl Zeller, among others.
With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, "Wiener Operettenarien" is a treasure trove of 16 beautifully performed pieces. The album opens with a tender aria from Zeller's "Der Obersteiger" and culminates with the lively overture from Nicolai's "Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor." In between, Popp enchants with iconic pieces like the Vilja-Lied from Lehár's "Die lustige Witwe" and the captivating "Du sollst der Kaiser meiner Seele sein" from Stolz's "Der Favorit."
Accompanied by the esteemed Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, conducted by the legendary Sir Neville Marriner, Popp's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. The album is a testament to her artistry and the enduring appeal of operetta, offering a delightful blend of romance, humor, and nostalgia. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a casual fan of classical music, this album is sure to captivate and charm.
Zeller: Der Obersteiger, Act 2: "Sei nicht bös" (Martin)Carl Zeller, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Lincke: Frau Luna: "Schlösser, die im Monde liegen"Paul Lincke, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Strauss, J. II / Orch. Stalla: Die Tänzerin Fanny Elssler, Act 2: "Draußen in Sievering" (Fanny)Johann Strauss II, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Stolz: Der Favorit: "Du sollst der Kaiser meiner Seele sein"Robert Stolz, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Lehár: Die lustige Witwe, Act 2: Vilja-Lied. "Es lebt eine Vilja, ein Waldmägdelein" (Hanna)Franz Lehár, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner, Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Suppé: Boccaccio: "Hab'ich nur deine Liebe"Franz von Suppé, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Benatzky & Strauss II, J.: Casanova, Act 1: Nonnenchor. "O Madonna, auf uns sieh!" - Lied der Laura. "O Marie, wie entflieh" (Laura, Chor)Johann Strauss II, Ralph Benatzky, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner, Ambrosian Opera Chorus, Andrew Lucas
Mackeben & Millöcker: Die Dubarry: "Ich schenk mein Herz nur dem allein" (Jeanne)Carl Millöcker, Theo Mackeben, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Lehár: Giuditta: "Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiss" (Giuditta, Chor)Franz Lehár, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner, Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Dostal: Die ungarische Hochzeit, Act 2: "Spiel mir das Lied von Glück und Treu" (Janka)Nico Dostal, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Lehár: Das Land des Lächelns, Act 2: "Ich möcht' einmal die Heimat seh'n" (Lisa)Franz Lehár, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Lehár: Friederike, Act 2: "Warum hast du mich wachgeküsst?" (Friederike)Franz Lehár, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Lehár: Giuditta: "In einem Meer von Liebe" (Giuditta, Chor)Franz Lehár, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner, Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Stolz: Frühjahrsparade, Act 1: "Wien wird bei Nacht erst schön"Robert Stolz, Lucia Popp, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Suppé: Leichte Kavallerie: OuvertüreFranz von Suppé, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Nicolai: Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor: OuvertüreOtto Nicolai, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields