Joseph Schmidt - Unvergänglich-Unvergessen / LP Vinyl

C 047-28 558

Product Details:

• Label: Parape
• Format: 2xCD, Compilation
• Country: Germany
• Released: 1990s
• Genre: Classical, Opera

Overview

Unvergänglich-Unvergessen is a tribute to the legendary tenor Joseph Schmidt, one of the first opera stars to gain recognition through the power of radio and the gramophone. His career, which never fully materialized on the operatic stage due to his small stature, flourished in concert halls and through recording media, where his vocal brilliance reached global audiences. This compilation brings together some of his most celebrated operatic arias, recorded in the early 1930s in Berlin and Vienna. The tracks feature a rich repertoire, including pieces from operas such as Der Postillon von Lonjumeau, Die tote Stadt, Tosca, and Rigoletto, among others. Schmidt’s lyrical and dramatic prowess is beautifully showcased in these historical recordings, providing listeners with an enduring glimpse into his artistry and the golden era of operatic performance.

Joseph Schmidt's repertoire spanned from the sweet, melodic cantilenas of Italian and French operas to the dramatic power of works by Verdi and Puccini. Famous for his emotive delivery and impeccable technique, Schmidt's voice brings warmth to pieces like the “Postillon-Lied” from Der Postillon von Lonjumeau and the heart-wrenching “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot. He was a vocal star of the 1930s, and despite facing political exile and the turbulence of World War II, his legacy continues through these recordings, which stand as a testament to his immense contribution to opera.

Track Listing

Disc 1

1. Freunde, vernehmet die Geschichte – Adolphe Adam (Postillon von Lonjumeau, Act 1) (3:00)
2. Meyerbeer: Land so wunderbar – Arie des Vasco (Die Afrikanerin, Act 4) (3:25)
3. Flotow: Ach, so fromm – Arie des Lyonel (Martha, Act 3) (2:55)
4. Stradella: Wie freundlich strahlt der Tag – Hymne des Alessandro Stradella (Alessandro Stradella, Act 3) (3:05)
5. Kienzl: Selig sind, die Verfolgung leiden – Arie des Mathias (Der Evangelimann, Act 2) (4:10)
6. Korngold: Glück, das mir verblieb – Arie des Paul (Die tote Stadt, Act 1) (3:45)
7. Massenet: Ach, alles sinkt hinab – Gebet des Rodrigo (Der Cid, Act 3) (3:15)
8. Massenet: Ich bin allein – Arie des Des Grieux (Manon, Act 3) (3:20)

Disc 2

1. Donizetti: Heimlich aus ihrem Auge sich eine Träne stahl – Arie des Nemorino (Der Liebestrank, Act 2) (3:00)
2. Verdi: O wie so trügerisch – Kanzone des Herzogs (Rigoletto, Act 3) (2:50)
3. Verdi: Lodern zum Himmel – Stretta des Manrico (Der Troubadour, Act 3) (3:15)
4. Leoncavallo: Jetzi spielen – Rezitativ und Arie des Canio (Der Bajazzo, Act 1) (3:25)
5. Puccini: O weine nicht, Liü – Arie des Kalet (Turandot, Act 1) (3:40)
6. Puccini: Nessun dorma – Arie des Kalaf (Turandot, Act 3) (3:10)
7. Giordano: Nun sind es sechs Monate – Arie des Dick Johnson (Das Mädchen aus dem goldenen Westen, Act 2) (4:00)
8. Puccini: Recondita armonia – Arie des Cavaradossi (Tosca, Act 1) (3:05)

Key Credits

• Liner Notes: Karl Schumann
• Translation by: John Wilde
• Remastered by: Lionel Risler, Sydnée Vion

Box #150