New Year’s Eve and operetta are an unbeatable combination. Strauss, Lehár, and more are heard by artists who know this genre well. They are Fritz Wunderlich, Brigitte Fassbaender, Nicolai Gedda, Anneliese Rothenberger, Simon Keenlyside, and Erica Köth. Shall we waltz?
A Program for New Year’s Eve
Playlist
“The Count of Luxembourg Waltz” from The Count of Luxembourg by Franz Lehár
Annunzio Paolo Mantovani and his Orchestra
(London 1960. LONDON 436 568‐2)
“Geh’n wir in’s Chambre séparée” from Der Opernball by Richard Heuberger
Brigitte Fassbaender, mezzo-soprano; Nicolai Gedda, tenor; Graunke Symphony Orchestra; Willy Mattes, conductor
(Munich 1969. EMI 50999 9 72651 2 2)
“Ach, wie so herrlich zu schauen” from Eine Nacht in Venedig by Johann Strauss
Fritz Wunderlich, tenor; Berlin Symphony; Fred Walter, conductor
(Berlin 1960. EMI CDZ 7 62522 2)
“Vilia” from The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár
Jeanette MacDonald, soprano; Orchestra; Robert Armbruster, conductor
(Los Angeles 1949. LP: RCA CAMDEN CAL 325)
“Schön wie die blaue Sommernacht” from Giuditta by Franz Lehár
Anneliese Rothenberger, soprano; Nicolai Gedda, tenor; Graunke Symphony Orchestra; Willy Mattes, conductor
(Munich 1965. Operette KO 863422)
“Dein ist mein ganzes Herz” from The Land of Smiles by Franz Lehár
Simon Keenlyside, baritone; Tonkünstler-Orchester Niederösterreich; Alfred Eschwé, conductor
(Vienna 2007. SONY 88697286002)
