Step into the world of opera with Erna Berger, one of the most celebrated sopranos of the 20th century, as she takes center stage in this captivating collection from the Berlin State Opera. Released in 1993 by Prima Voce, "Great Singers at the Berlin State Opera" is a testament to Berger's extraordinary vocal prowess and her ability to bring each character to life with unparalleled depth and emotion.
This album is a journey through some of the most beloved operas of all time, featuring arias from composers like Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner. Recorded between 1927 and 1939, these tracks showcase Berger's remarkable range and versatility, from the delicate innocence of "Ach, ich liebte" from Mozart's "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" to the fiery passion of "Il balen del suo sorriso" from Verdi's "Il Trovatore."
Berger's performances are nothing short of breathtaking, each aria a masterclass in vocal technique and dramatic interpretation. Whether she's singing the tender "Mir ist so wunderbar" from Beethoven's "Fidelio" or the powerful "Allmächt'ger Vater" from Wagner's "Rienzi," she commands the stage with a presence that is both commanding and vulnerable.
The album also includes some lesser-known gems, such as the enchanting "Besenbinderlied" from Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel und Gretel" and the playful "Herr Kavalier" from Richard Strauss' "Der Rosenkavalier." These selections offer a glimpse into Berger's ability to navigate a wide range of styles and moods, from the whimsical to the profound.
With a running time of just over an hour and seventeen minutes, "Great Singers at the Berlin State Opera" is a compact yet comprehensive showcase of Erna Berger's artistry. It's a must-listen for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a chance to experience the magic of live performance from one of the greatest sopranos of all time.
Tracks
Die Entführung aus dem serail, K. 384: Ach, ich liebte, war so glücklich (Recorded 1939)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Margherita Perras, Bruno Seidler - Winkler, Staatskapelle Berlin
Fidelio, Op. 72: Mir ist so wunderbar (Recorded 1935)Ludwig van Beethoven, Erna Berger, Henriette Gottlieb, Marcel Wittrisch, Willi Domgraf-Fassbaender, Fritz Zweig, Staatskapelle Berlin
Don Pasquale: Tornami a dir (Recorded 1939)Gaetano Donizetti, Erna Berger, Gino Sinimberghi, Bruno Seidler - Winkler, Fritz Zweig, Alois Melichar, Leo Blech, Albert Coates, Clemens Schmalstich, Johannes Schüler, Hanns Udo Müller, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Krauss, Staatskapelle Berlin
Rienzi, WWV. 49: Allmächt'ger Vater, blick' herab (Recorded 1930)Richard Wagner, Franz Völker, Alois Melichar, Staatskapelle Berlin
Der fliegende Hollander, WWV. 63: Wie aus der Ferne (Recorded 1927)Richard Wagner, Friedrich Schorr, Leo Blech, Staatskapelle Berlin
Tannhäuser, WWV. 70: Dich, teure Halle (Recorded 1934)Richard Wagner, Tiana Lemnitz, Bruno Seidler - Winkler, Fritz Zweig, Alois Melichar, Leo Blech, Albert Coates, Clemens Schmalstich, Johannes Schüler, Hanns Udo Müller, Erich Orthmann, Clemens Krauss, Staatskapelle Berlin, London Symphony Orchestra
Tannhäuser, WWV. 70: Inbrunst im Herzen…Das sah ich ihn (Recorded 1929)Richard Wagner, Lauritz Melchior, Albert Coates, London Symphony Orchestra
Tristan und Isolde, WWV. 90: Doch nun von Tristan…Er schwur mit tausend Eiden (Recorded 1928)Richard Wagner, Frida Leider, Elfriede Marherr-Wagner, Leo Blech, Staatskapelle Berlin
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV. 96: Am stillen Herd (Recorded 1930)Richard Wagner, Max Lorenz, Clemens Schmalstich, Staatskapelle Berlin
Il Trovatore: Il balen del suo sorriso (Recorded 1937)Giuseppe Verdi, Heinrich Schlusnus, Johannes Schüler, Staatskapelle Berlin
La Traviata: De' miei bollenti spiriti (Recorded 1935)Giuseppe Verdi, Helge Roswaenge, Bruno Seidler - Winkler, Staatskapelle Berlin
Hansel und Gretel: Besenbinderlied (Recorded 1937)Engelbert Humperdinck, Gerhard Hüsch, Hanns Udo Müller, Staatskapelle Berlin
La Bohème: Si, mi chiamano Mimi…O soave funciulla (Recorded 1932)Giacomo Puccini, Maria Cebotari, Marcel Wittrisch, Fritz Zweig, Staatskapelle Berlin
Turandot: Signore, ascolta (Recorded 1927)Giacomo Puccini, Lotte Schöne, Fritz Zweig, Staatskapelle Berlin
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59: Herr Kavalier (Letter Scene and Waltz) (Recorded 1931)Richard Strauss, Alexander Kipnis, Else Ruziczka, Erich Orthmann, Staatskapelle Berlin
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59: Ist ein Traum, kann nicht wirlich sein (Recorded 1936)Richard Strauss, Erna Berger, Tiana Lemnitz, Clemens Krauss, Staatskapelle Berlin
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