Wunderlich - The Chamber Singer - Opera Arias - Neopolitan Folk Songs on 180g Import LP

After the great success of Der junge Fritz Wunderlich (The young Fritz Wunderlich), Clearaudio now has the honor of turning over a new leaf in the singer’s life with the release of Der Kammersänger Fritz Wunderlich  (The Chamber Singer Fritz Wunderlich). Wunderlich, who counts among the best tenors of the 20th century, here presents even two of his facets: As the singer of opera arias, and as the interpreter of Neapolitan and Viennese Songs. It seems to be a far cry from his parade’s role as Belmonte in Mozart’s "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" (The Abduction from the Seraglio), which he first sang in 1957 in Munich, to the folk song from Naples, to "O Sole Mio". But just at first glance, as Wunderlich masters both opera arias and popular songs with his unique, distinctive voice and an unequalled charm and nonchalance.

In 1962, the tenor was appointed Chamber Singer; during the following years, until his tragic and much too early death, he had been at the zenith of his career. Of course, you will find here his great opera successes. But besides mono-pearls as "Schattige Ruh" (Ombra mai fu) from Handel’s Xerxes or the aria "Wohin seid ihr entschwunden" (Kuda, kuda, kuda vi udalilis) from Tschaikowsky’s Eugen Onegin, according to the tradition then sung in German, the flip side surprises with Neapolitan Folk Songs and Viennese Songs. You should know that Wunderlich always was affectionate to light music, too, and his voice ennobles even Gassenhauer (street songs) like "Wien, Wien, nur du allein" ("Vienna, Vienna, only you") or the popular "Im Prater blühn wieder die Bäume" ("Trees at the Prater are in flower again") by Robert Stolz, and put them to another dimension.

A true discovery is the fervent "Granada." Its brilliance may scarcely be reached a second time! Unbelievable, how much temper the singer from the small town of Kusel on the river Mosella has had, and which proper portion of "Wiener Schmäh" (Viennese snide humour), too. These eight tracks throw a glance on a different, maybe unknown Fritz Wunderlich, an exciting discovery!

This compilation has never existed before. With expert knowledge and even more passion, Heinz Wildhagen, the recording engineer of Wunderlich’s last recordings before his death, allows a wonderful and coherent view on Fritz Wunderlich’s work as Chamber singer. It goes without saying that Clearaudio’s second homage to this exceptional vocalist is also presented as an audiophile edition.