Description
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – La clemenza di Tito (Aus den WDR Archiven 1955) (2xCD)
Product Information
Format: Compact Disc – Digital Audio
Label/Series: Capriccio – A Production of Delta Music GmbH
Catalogue Number: 67 159
UPC: 4006408671596
Original Recording Date: December 31, 1955
Recording Venue: WDR Funkhaus, Saal 1, Köln
Conductor: Joseph Keilberth
Produced by (Executive Producer): Karl O. Koch
Recording Engineer / Tonmeister: Hans Schulze-Ritter
Remastering:
- Remastered by Dirk Franken
- Audio restoration by Maria Wickenbrock
Design: Gestaltung by sowiesodesign.de (Photos: AKG, Berlin)
Made in: EU
Release Year: 2005 (Capriccio release)
Overview
This exceptional CD presents a historically significant recording of Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito from the WDR archives of 1955. Capturing the spirit of German radio opera, this production of Mozart’s opera seria in due atti (KV 621) is a rare document of a live broadcast recorded at the WDR Funkhaus in Köln. Under the baton of the renowned conductor Joseph Keilberth, the performance features an illustrious cast delivering powerful interpretations of one of Mozart’s most dramatic works. The digital remastering brings this classic recording into the modern era while preserving the authentic acoustic charm and historic ambience of the original broadcast.
Product Features
Audio & Production Excellence
- Historical Significance:
- Sourced directly from the WDR archives, this recording reflects the rich tradition of German radio opera in the mid-20th century.
- High-Fidelity Remastering:
- Utilizing state-of-the-art digital remastering techniques by Dirk Franken and meticulous audio restoration by Maria Wickenbrock, every nuance of the performance is preserved.
- Authentic Broadcast Quality:
- Recorded in the intimate acoustics of the WDR Funkhaus (Saal 1), the sound captures both the orchestral brilliance and the expressive vocal performances of the era.
Musical and Cultural Importance
- Operatic Masterpiece:
- La clemenza di Tito is one of Mozart’s most celebrated operas, and this recording presents the opera in its original two-act (due atti) form with texts adapted from Pietro Metastasio by Caterino Mazzola and further interstitial texts by Helmut Reinold.
- Distinguished Cast:
- Tito Vespasiano, Imperatore di Roma: Nicolai Gedda (Tenor)
- Vitellia, Figlia dell'Imperatore Vitellio: Hilde Zadek (Soprano)
- Servilia, Sorella di Sesto, Amante d’Annio: Ilse Wallenstein (Soprano)
- Sesto, Amico di Tito, Amante di Vitellia: Ira Malaniuk (Mezzo-Soprano)
- Annio, Amico di Sesto, Amante di Servilia: Peter Offermann(s) (Tenor)
- Publio, Prefetto del Pretorio: Gerhard Gröschel (Basso)
- Erzähler: Rolf Henniger (Sprecher)
- Plus, the renowned WDR Rundfunkchor Köln (now WDR Rundfunkchor Köln) and the Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester.
- Direction & Text:
- With the text by Emanuel Schikaneder and adaptations by Ludwig Berger and directed by Eduard Hermann, the production offers both musical and dramatic integrity.
Production & Packaging
- Visual & Design Excellence:
- The cover and accompanying booklet are designed by sowiesodesign.de, featuring archival photos provided by AKG, Berlin.
- Comprehensive Documentation:
- Detailed credits and historical liner notes enrich this release, making it an essential collector’s item for opera aficionados and cultural historians alike.
Additional Information & Release Details
- Produced by: Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln, 1955
- Executive Produced by: Karl O. Koch
- Recording Engineer: Hans Schulze-Ritter
- Remastered by: Dirk Franken & Maria Wickenbrock
- Release Label: Capriccio – Ein Produkt der Delta Music GmbH, Frechen, Germany
- Design & Photo Credits: sowiesodesign.de (Fotos: AKG, Berlin)
- Official Websites:
Publishers / Release Information
La clemenza di Tito (Aus den WDR Archiven 1955) has been issued by Capriccio, a label known for bringing historical operatic recordings to modern audiences. This release offers an immersive experience of Mozart’s opera as originally broadcast by the WDR, preserved for future generations. Enjoy a performance that embodies theatrical splendour, operatic finesse, and the timeless beauty of Mozart’s music.
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Hashtags
English:
#MozartLaClemenzaDiTito #WDRArchiven #HistoricalOpera #CapriccioRecords #JosephKeilberth #ClassicMozart #OperaSeria #DigitalRemaster #VintageOpera #MozartCollectors
