Albert Lortzing - Der Wildschütz (Wolfgang Sawallisch; Ferdinand Leitner)

Information

Composer: Albert Lortzing

1. Der Wildschütz: Overture
2. Der Wildschütz, Act I: Lass er doch hören
3. Der Wildschütz, Act II: Ich habe Numro eins
4. Der Wildschütz, Act II: Fünftausend Taler
5. Der Wildschütz, Act III: Wie freundlich strahlt die holde Morgensonne

Bamberger Symphoniker / Wolfgang Sawallisch, conductor

Staatsorchester Stuttgart / Ferdinand Leitner, conductor

Date: 1950; 1954 / 2026

Label: Deutsche Grammophon (DG)

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To mark the 225th anniversary of Albert Lortzing’s birth and the 175th anniversary of his passing, Deutsche Grammophon presents the first-ever digital release of a historic 1950s recording of Der Wildschütz. Celebrated for seamlessly weaving text and music, Lortzing combined popular appeal with refined artistry, embedding Rousseauian ideals, social satire, and early commentary on capitalism within a charming operatic framework. This abridged historical release unites performances led by Wolfgang Sawallisch and Ferdinand Leitner, showcasing prominent artists like Wolfgang Windgassen and Georg Hann. The recording stands as both an enduring testament to Lortzing’s craftsmanship and a valuable document of mid-century German operatic heritage.

German composer Albert Lortzing (1801–1851) pioneered 19th-century light German opera, establishing a popular style that endured well into the mid-20th century. Largely self-taught due to his upbringing in an acting family, Lortzing built a career as both a tenor in Leipzig and a prolific creator of stage works. Drawing musical inspiration from German Singspiel and French opéra comique, his oeuvre includes early vaudevilles, dramatic plays, and acclaimed comic and romantic operas such as Zar und Zimmermann (1837), Undine (1845), and Der Waffenschmied (1846). His accessible melodic charm and theatrical ingenuity solidified his enduring legacy within classical music history.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz