Ludwig van Beethoven – Fidelio (Aus den WDR Archiven 1956) (2 CD Set)

Product Information

UPC: 4006408671862
Product Type: Compact Disc – Digital Audio
Label/Series: Capriccio – A Product of Delta Music GmbH, Frechen, Germany
Catalogue Number: 67 186/87
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Work: Fidelio – Opera in Two Acts (Oper in Zwei Akten / Opera en Deux Actes)
Original Recording Date: January 7–12, 1956
Recording Venue: WDR Funkhaus, Saal 1, Köln
Original Language: German
Format: Digital (Remastered from Mono Broadcast Recording)
Produced by:

• Produced/Executive Producer: Karl O. Koch
• Recording Engineer/Tonmeister: Hans Schulze-Ritter
• Remastering by Capriccio Digital Technologies
  Conducted by: Erich Kleiber (Conductor/Chef d'orchestre)
  Licensed By: WDR mediagroup licensing GmbH
  Design & Photography:
• Design: sowiesodesign.de
• Photos: AKG-images, Berlin

Overview

Experience one of the pivotal moments in operatic broadcasting with Ludwig van Beethoven – Fidelio from the WDR archives of 1956. This historically significant complete recording of Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, presents the work in its original two-act form. Recorded live at the WDR Funkhaus in Köln in mono, this production captures the raw power and dramatic intensity of Beethoven’s masterpiece as traditionally sung in German. Under the discerning baton of the legendary conductor Erich Kleiber, and featuring distinguished soloists such as Nicolai Gedda, Birgit Nilsson, Hans Hopf, and Paul Schöffler, this release is an essential acquisition for opera enthusiasts and collectors of classical music heritage. The digital remastering of the original broadcast preserves the authentic acoustic charm while delivering enhanced clarity for modern listeners.

Product Features

Audio & Production Excellence

• Historical Broadcast Recording:
  • Sourced from the WDR archives (1956), this recording represents an authentic snapshot of German broadcast opera during a golden era.
• Digital Remastering:
  • The original mono recording has been digitally remastered, ensuring superior sound quality that retains the historic sonic character while meeting modern listening standards.
• Expert Production:
  • Produced and engineered by renowned figures Karl O. Koch and Hans Schulze-Ritter, whose expertise ensures the highest fidelity in this archival release.

Musical & Performative Highlights

• Operatic Masterpiece:
  • Fidelio is celebrated for its themes of freedom, justice, and human dignity, and this performance brings those ideals to life with emotional depth and dramatic power.
• Distinguished Cast:
  • Tito Vespasiano: Nicolai Gedda (Tenor)
  • Vitellia (Leonore): Birgit Nilsson (Soprano)
  • Servilia: Ilse Wallenstein (Soprano)
  • Sesto: Ira Malaniuk (Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Annio: Peter Offermann (Tenor)
  • Publio: Gerhard Gröschel (Bass)
  • Erzähler (Narrator): Rolf Henniger (Sprecher)
  • Additional roles include contributions by the WDR Rundfunkchor Köln and the Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester.
• Dramatic Interpretation:
  • Under the passionate direction of Erich Kleiber, the performance captures both the intensity and the profound humanity of Beethoven’s opera.

Production & Packaging

• Authentic Presentation:
  • Housed in a CD format that combines historical significance with modern digital precision, this release is part of Capriccio’s renowned series of historically important classical recordings.
• Visual Design:
  • The packaging is designed by sowiesodesign.de and features striking archival photographs provided by AKG-images, reflecting the aesthetic and cultural legacy of the broadcast.
• Comprehensive Liner Notes:
  • Detailed liner notes provide context regarding the original broadcast production, performance details, and historical background, making it a valuable resource for collectors and music scholars alike.

Track Listing

Note: Fidelio is presented in its complete form as an opera in two acts. The CD includes the entire performance as it was originally broadcast by WDR.

• Act I and Act II
  • The complete, unabridged recording of Beethoven's Fidelio, including all arias, duets, ensembles, and orchestral interludes as originally performed in German.

Publishers / Release Information

This release of Fidelio is brought to you by Capriccio, a product of Delta Music GmbH, Frechen, Germany, and is distributed in association with the Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln. The digital remastering ensures that listeners experience the performance with both historical authenticity and modern clarity. For more information, please visit www.capriccio.at or www.deltamusic.de.

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Hashtags

English:

#BeethovenFidelio #WDRArchiven #HistoricalOpera #ErichKleiber #CapriccioRecords #DigitalRemaster #ClassicOpera #MozartOperaticHeritage #GermanBroadcastOpera #OperaCollectors