Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas with Fritz Wunderlich's captivating album, "Das Weihnachtsalbum." Released on October 16, 2015, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this operatic gem spans a concise yet impactful 57 minutes, offering a unique blend of classical and festive music.
Fritz Wunderlich, renowned for his velvety tenor voice, masterfully navigates through a collection of beloved Christmas carols and excerpts from Johann Sebastian Bach's iconic "Christmas Oratorio." The album opens with the joyous "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" and continues with a mix of well-known pieces like "Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen" and "Vom Himmel hoch, o Englein kommt," alongside lesser-known treasures such as "O Freude über Freude" and "Was soll das bedeuten."
Wunderlich's interpretation of Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" is particularly noteworthy, with standout tracks like "Jauchzet, frohlocket" and "Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet" showcasing his exceptional vocal range and emotional depth. The album also features instrumental pieces, including a delicate rendition of "Concerto in D Major, Op. 10, No. 6: Tempo di minuetto" and a serene "Sonata in A Major for 2 Oboe D'amore and Basso Continuo: Siziliano."
"Das Weihnachtsalbum" is a testament to Wunderlich's artistry, offering a fresh perspective on classic Christmas music. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or simply looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday season, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
Stille Nacht, heilige NachtFranz Xaver Gruber, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Wolfgang Neininger, Hans Georg Renner, Berthold Stihl, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 1 - For the First Day of Christmas: No. 1 Chorus: "Jauchzet, frohlocket"Johann Sebastian Bach, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter, Münchener Bach-Chor
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 1 - For the First Day of Christmas: No. 2 Evangelist: "Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit"Johann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen (Arr. Neumeyer for Tenor & Chamber Ensemble)Anonymous, Fritz Wunderlich, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
O Freude über FreudeTraditional, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Wolfgang Neininger, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Ich steh an deiner Krippen hierTraditional, Hermann Prey, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Concerto in D Major, Op. 10, No. 6: Tempo di minuettoTomaso Albinoni, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Sepp Grünwald, Berthold Stihl, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Es kommt ein Schiff geladenTraditional, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Hans Georg Renner, Berthold Stihl, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 2 - For the Second Day Of Christmas: No. 15 Aria: "Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet"Johann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Was soll das bedeutenTraditional, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Christmut Geier, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Vom Himmel hoch, o Englein kommtAnonymous, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Wolfgang Neininger, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 4 - For New Year's Day: No. 41 Aria: "Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben"Johann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Sonata in A Major for 2 Oboe D'amore and Basso Continuo: Siziliano (Arr. H.G. Renner)Georg Philipp Telemann, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Fritz Neumeyer
Maria durch ein Dornwald gingAnonymous, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Hans Georg Renner, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 5 - For the 1st Sunday in the New Year: No. 50 Evangelist: "Und ließ versammeln alle Hohepriester"Johann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 5 - For the 1st Sunday in the New Year: No. 51 Terzetto: "Ach, wann wird die Zeit erscheinen?"Johann Sebastian Bach, Gundula Janowitz, Christa Ludwig, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Still, Still, StillTraditional, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Fritz Neumeyer
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 6 - For the Feast of Epiphany: No. 60 Evangelist: "Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum"Johann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 6 - For the Feast of Epiphany: No. 61 Rezitativ: "So geht! Genug, mein Schatz geht nicht von hier"Johann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Pt. 6 - For the Feast of Epiphany: No. 62 Aria: "Nun mögt ihr stolzen Feinde schrecken"Johann Sebastian Bach, Fritz Wunderlich, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
In dulci jubiloMichael Praetorius, Fritz Wunderlich, Hermann Prey, Wolfgang Neininger, Robert Bodenröder, Hans Georg Renner, Dietmar Keller, Helmut Böcker, Wolfgang Stert, Fritz Neumeyer