Johann Strauss II Operettas: The Ultimate 10 CD Box Set

Product Details

• UPC: 5099998466429
• Label: Warner Classics – 50999 4 55378 20
• Format: 10 CD Box Set, Compilation (Stereo/Mono, Remastered, Live Recording)
• Country: Europe
• Released: 2013
• Genre: Classical, Opera, Romantic, Canzone Napoletana
• Style: Operetta, Dance Music, Popular Songs
• Product Type: Complete Operetta Recordings of Johann Strauss II

Overview

Step into the sparkling world of Viennese operetta with this extraordinary 10 CD box set featuring the works of Johann Strauss II—affectionately known as the "Waltz King." This comprehensive collection encapsulates Strauss's brilliance in both his popular masterpieces and his lesser-known gems. Enjoy iconic operettas such as Die Fledermaus, Eine Nacht in Venedig, Der Zigeunerbaron, Simplicius, and Wiener Blut in one definitive remastered edition. Star performers—including Nicolai Gedda, Brigitte Fassbaender, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Rita Streich, Hermann Prey, and Grace Bumbry—illuminate these recordings, which are conducted by renowned maestros Franz Allers and Franz Welser-Möst. This box set is an essential treasure for collectors and lovers of operatic and dance music alike.

Product Features

Compilation Highlights (By Operetta)

• CDs 1-2: Die Fledermaus

  • Features celebrated roles: Gabriel von Eisenstein, Rosalinda, Adele, Prince Orlofsky, and Dr. Falke.
  • Performers: Nicolai Gedda, Anneliese Rothenberger, Renate Holm, Brigitte Fassbaender, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau.
  • Accompanied by the Chor der Wiener Staatsoper in der Volksoper and the distinguished Wiener Symphoniker under Willi Boskovsky.

• CDs 3-4: Eine Nacht in Venedig

  • A dazzling production set in a Venetian carnival, with roles including Duke of Urbino, Annina, Caramello, and Enrico Piselli.
  • Featuring Nicolai Gedda, Rita Streich, Cesare Curzi, Christine Görner, and Hermann Prey with the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks and the Symphonie-Orchester Graunke, led by Franz Allers.

• CDs 5-6: Der Zigeunerbaron

  • Showcases a vibrant, gypsy-influenced score portraying Count Peter Homonay, Count Carnero, Sándor Barinkay, Arsena, and Saffi.
  • With performances by Hermann Prey, Wolfgang Anheisser, Nicolai Gedda, Kurt Böhme, Rita Streich, and Grace Bumbry, accompanied by the Chor und Orchester der Bayerischen Staatsoper München and conducted by Franz Allers.

• CDs 7-8: Simplicius

  • Features the world premiere recording with roles such as The Hermit, Simplicius, General von Vliessen, Hildegard, Arnim von Grübben, and Melchior.
  • Performed by Michael Volle, Martin Zysset, Rolf Haunstein, Elizabeth Magnuson, and Piotr Beczała, with the Chor und Kinderchor des Opernhauses Zürich and the Orchester der Oper Zürich, masterfully led by Franz Welser-Möst.

• CDs 9-10: Wiener Blut

  • Captures the merry spirit of Viennese dance with portrayals of Prince Ypsheim Gindelbach, Balduin, Gabriele, Count Bitowski, and Franziska Cagliari.
  • Highlights include Klaus Hirte, Nicolai Gedda, Anneliese Rothenberger, Gerd W. Dieberitz, Renate Holm, and Hans Putz with the Chor der Kölner Oper and the Philharmonia Hungarica under the baton of Willi Boskovsky.

Additional Product Features

• Remastered Excellence:
  Each CD has been digitally remastered to preserve the warmth of mono recordings and clarity of stereo, ensuring an exceptional listening experience.

• Live Recording Energy:
  The live recordings capture the excitement and authenticity of historic performances in some of Europe's most renowned opera houses.

• Extensive Historical Repertoire:
  This set not only presents Strauss's most popular operettas but also offers the acclaimed world premiere recording of Simplicius—a rare gem in his oeuvre.

• Star-Studded Casts & Legendary Conductors:
  Enjoy world-class vocal artistry and orchestral mastery led by conductors Franz Allers and Franz Welser-Möst, alongside performances by celebrated opera stars.

Interesting Facts

• The Waltz King's Legacy:
  Johann Strauss II (1825–1899) transformed Viennese musical and theatrical culture by blending captivating dance melodies with operatic drama. His works, from lighthearted operettas to majestic waltzes, revolutionized popular music on both the concert stage and the ballroom.

• Prestigious Performances:
  Notable performers such as Nicolai Gedda, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and Brigitte Fassbaender bring these recordings to life. Their interpretations remain a benchmark in operatic performance, capturing the charm and elegance of Strauss’s compositions.

• Historical Milestones:
  This box set includes recordings from premiere performances and landmark productions, ensuring that every listener experiences a piece of musical history. One unique highlight is the world premiere recording of Simplicius, conducted by Franz Welser-Möst.

• Recording Heritage:
  The collection benefits from decades of recording excellence—from the classic live recordings of Die Fledermaus to the refined studio remastering of later operetta productions—offering an unparalleled historical perspective on operetta performance.

Publishers / Production Details

• Manufactured & Printed: In the EU, as detailed in the accompanying booklet.
• Digital Remastering: Performed by Warner Music UK Ltd.
• Copyright: © 2013 Warner Classics, Warner Music UK Ltd.
• Additional Details: This compilation is a live recording, meticulously produced with contributions from chorus masters, engineers, and recording supervisors to capture the authentic operetta experience.

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Hashtags

• English:
  #JohannStraussII #Operettas #DieFledermaus #EineNachtInVenedig #DerZigeunerbaron #Simplicius #WienerBlut #WaltzKing #WarnerClassics #OperettaBoxSet