Robert Fritz.

Albert Lortzings Opern werden leider heute nur noch selten gespielt. Das ist schade, denn zum einen lassen sie sich mit relativ geringem Aufwand sehr effektvoll auf die Bühne bringen - Lortzing war selber Schauspieler und Spieltenor, wusste also, was er sich und seinen Kollegen zumuten durfte.

From 1957-1973 Werner recorded 55 of Bach's church cantatas as well as the St. John and St. Matthew Passions, the Christmas, Easter and Ascension Oratorios, the B minor Mass and the motets. MusicWeb stated, 'Werner's pacing of the (St. Matthew Passion) and his vision of it is compelling. The drama moves inexorably forward and the entire story is most movingly related.'

This seventh volume in the series 'Fritz Wunderlich – The SWR Recordings' focuses on the singer's legacy of lieder, which he began performing early in his career. Wunderlich's performance of Schumann's Dichterliebe, recorded live at the 1965 Schwetzingen Festival, was considered by the singer himself to be one of his best interpretations ever. The pianist was Hubert Giesen, one of the most distinguished accompanists of his era. He worked closely with Wunderlich, who was already an international star at the time. This compilation provides a unique overview of Wunderlich's lieder performances – from the start of his career until his tragic and untimely death.