Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Die Zauberflöte (Aus den WDR Archiven 1954) (2xCD)

Product Information

Format: Compact Disc (Digital Audio)
Label/Series: Capriccio – A Production of Delta Music GmbH (2005)
Catalogue Number: 67 157
UPC: 4006408671572
Original Recording Date: December 19, 1954
Recording Venue: WDR Funkhaus, Saal 1, Köln
Conductor: Joseph Keilberth
Performers Include:

• Tamino: Rudolf Schock (Tenor)
• Pamina: Teresa Stich-Randall (Soprano)
• Sarastro: Josef Greindl (Bass)
• Papageno: Erich Kunz (Baritone)
• Quasi-Narrator: Hans Hotter (Baritone as Sprecher)
• Plus additional roles: Wilma Lipp (Königin der Nacht), Peter Esser (Erster Priester), Horst Otto Rainer (Zweiter Priester), and others.
  Production & Remastering:
• Produced by the Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester (WDR)
• Recording produced and engineered by Hans Schulze-Ritter with Executive Producer Karl O. Koch
• Remastering by Dirk Franken and audio restoration by Maria Wickenbrock
  Additional Credits:
• Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder
• Text Adaptation by Ludwig Berger
• Directed by Eduard Hermann
• Design by sowiesodesign.de (Photos: AKG, Berlin)
• This release is a digital remaster from the original three-track tapes preserved in the WDR archives.

Overview

Experience one of the most historically significant recordings of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) from the WDR archives. This celebrated production, originally recorded in 1954 at the WDR Funkhaus in Köln, presents the opera in its original two-act format (KV 620), featuring an authentic performance led by conductor Joseph Keilberth. With distinguished artists such as Teresa Stich-Randall as Pamina, Rudolf Schock as Tamino, Josef Greindl as Sarastro, and Erich Kunz as Papageno, this release captures the timeless magic of Mozart’s masterpiece as it was first transmitted to radio audiences. The digital remastering brings out the warm acoustics and subtle nuances of this historic opera, making it an essential acquisition for collectors and classical music enthusiasts alike.

Product Features

Audio & Production Excellence

• Historical Authenticity:
  • Sourced directly from the WDR archives, this recording offers an unvarnished glimpse into the rich radio history of German opera.
• High-Quality Digital Remaster:
  • Remastered from original analog tapes by audio restoration experts Dirk Franken and Maria Wickenbrock to ensure pristine high-fidelity sound quality.
• Operatic Brilliance:
  • Experience the dynamic interplay of vocal artistry and orchestral precision under the baton of Joseph Keilberth, whose interpretative insight shines through every passage.

Musical & Cultural Significance

• A Landmark Recording:
  • Initially produced for radio broadcast in 1954, Die Zauberflöte represents a seminal moment in operatic history, bridging classical tradition with the adventurous spirit of mid-20th century broadcasting.
• Renowned Performances:
  • Stellar performances by a celebrated cast, including Teresa Stich-Randall, Wilma Lipp, Rudolf Schock, and Hans Hotter, elevate this production to a must-hear recording for any Mozart aficionado.
• Comprehensive Production Credits:
  • Beyond the musical performance, the recording’s documentation is enriched by detailed credits in libretto, stage direction, and text adaptation—each contributing to a fuller understanding of this historic production.

Interesting Facts

• WDR Archive Gem:
  • This release is part of a prestigious series of historically significant recordings from the WDR archives, showcasing the excellence of German radio opera productions.
• Restoration Expertise:
  • The collaboration between veteran audio engineers and modern remastering techniques ensures that this 1954 recording is available today with remarkable clarity and depth, preserving its original charm for contemporary audiences.
• Cultural Legacy:
  • Die Zauberflöte remains one of Mozart’s most widely acclaimed operas; this original performance captures the live spirit and dramatic intensity as it was experienced by audiences over half a century ago.

Publishers / Release Information

This CD, issued by Capriccio – a product of Delta Music GmbH (Frechen, Germany), is a distinguished addition to any opera collection. It is proudly made in the EU and carries the legacy of the Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln. For more information, visit www.capriccio.at or www.deltamusic.de.

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Hashtags

English:

#MozartDieZauberflöte #WDRArchives #HistoricalOpera #JosephKeilberth #CapriccioRecords #DigitalRemaster #ClassicalOpera #MozartOpera #VintageRecording #OperaCollectors