Great Recordings Of The Century: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta Arias

Johann Strauss II (Composer), Franz Lehár (Composer), Carl Zeller (Composer), Carl Millöcker (Composer), Franz von Suppé (Composer), Rudolf Sieczynski (Composer), Richard Heuberger (Composer), Otto Ackermann (Conductor), Philharmonia Orchestra (Orchestra), Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
• Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra
• Conductor: Otto Ackermann
• Composer: Johann Strauss II, Franz Lehár, Carl Zeller, Carl Millöcker, Franz von Suppé, et al.
• Audio CD (May 4, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B00000IOBS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,429 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #78 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Featured Performers, A-Z > Q to T

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Schwarzkopf outshines all other sopranos., May 24, 2000

By 

B. Gudgeirsson "B G" (Reykjavik Iceland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Great Recordings Of The Century: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta Arias (Audio CD)

I remember the first time I put this record on with a lawyer friend of mine . It was in the good old LP days. We were absolutely stunned by it 's exquisite beauty . It left us totally speechless for quite a while.Of course we knew Dame Schwarzkop 's many opera recordings and the Bayreuth '51 Beethoven 9th ( Furtwängler ) etc. But to listen to her in this material ( and "Fledermaus " ) was a revelation. Never to be forgotten. By the way , I have read interviews , where singers say it being more difficult to sing " Die Fledermaus " than it is to sing Wagner!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Charm Of Schwarzkopf: Vienna Opera, April 19, 2004

By 

Rudy Avila "Saint Seiya" (Lennox, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Great Recordings Of The Century: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta Arias (Audio CD)

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was the leading German lyric soprano of her time directly after World War II- the 50's and 60's. Her Marschallin from Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier is unbeaten and the definative best interpretation. This recording features her singing comfortably in the language she knew best, German, in arias from Vienna light operas. There is so much class and elegance, combined with charming warmth and beauty to the singing voice of Schwarzkopff. Another treasure to hear and a great complimentary addition to this album is Schwarzkopf singing German Lieder. Her diction was perfect, her melodic lines bubbly with sincere human warmth. In this album, I think you'll like the opening aria "Im Chambre Separee" from Der Opernball. There is a uniquely French sound to the aria and to Schwarzkopf's rendition, that has sophistication and European aestheticism written all over it. The other arias are beautiful to listen to as well, including the arias from Der Zarewitsch, Grafin Dubarry, Graf Von Luxemburg, Boccacio and Giuditta.

Naturally, since this is taken from the original Long Playing album record, it sounds very old fashioned and dated. I did'nt hear any scratches or disruptions, so for the most part it's highly enjoyable and lovingly remastered for a cd. Schwarzkopf classic voice does seem to fit more suitably on the LP of a phonograph in a stylish salon in Paris or Vienna. I can imagine when she was singing in person and recording these albums, people were goo-ga ga over her. But even if you don't own a record player and you are up to date with the latest sound system technology, this will bring you back to the days when people crowded around parlors,either to their radios or phonographs and had conversations and drank champagne in genuine taste and good cheer. This will definately want to make you drink some fine champagne.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious, March 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Great Recordings Of The Century: Elisabeth Schwarzkopf Sings Operetta Arias (Audio CD)

If you love exuberant melody, you'll love this album. It's a pity this music isn't sung more often now. Schwarzkopf's voice is glorious, and the selection of pieces is terrific.