Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Otto Nicolai's "Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor" (The Merry Wives of Windsor), a timeless operatic masterpiece that has captivated audiences for generations. Released on January 1, 1978, under the esteemed Berlin Classics label, this album offers a rich, hour-long journey through Nicolai's brilliant composition, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend comedy, romance, and intricate musical storytelling.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists who bring to life the charming and witty characters of Nicolai's opera. From the playful overture to the triumphant finale, each track is a testament to Nicolai's genius, with standout performances in duets and arias that highlight the opera's humor and heart. The ensemble's dynamic range and expressive delivery make this recording a standout in the world of classical music.
"Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor" is based on Shakespeare's comedy of the same name, and Nicolai's score beautifully captures the play's spirit and charm. The opera is filled with memorable melodies, from the lively "O susser Mond" chorus to the enchanting "Duet: Fenton! - Mein Madchen," performed by Anna and Fenton. The album also includes the hilarious "Mucken, Wespen, Fliegenchor," a whimsical chorus that adds to the opera's comedic charm.
Otto Nicolai's "Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor" is a must-listen for fans of classical music and opera, offering a delightful blend of humor, romance, and musical brilliance. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the genre, this album is sure to enchant and entertain.
2009 Copyright Control1978 VEB Deutsche Schallplatten Berlin
Tracks
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): OvertureOtto Nicolai, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act I: Duet: Nein, das ist wirklich doch zu keck (Frau Fluth, Frau Reich)Otto Nicolai, Edith Mathis, Hanna Schwarz, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act I: Recitative and Aria: Nun eilt herbei, Witz, heitre Laune (Frau Fluth)Otto Nicolai, Edith Mathis, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act II: Als Bublein klein am der Mutter Brust (Falstaff, Burger)Otto Nicolai, Kurt Moll, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee, Kurt Ludwig
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act II: Duet: Fenton! - Mein Madchen (Anna, Fenton)Otto Nicolai, Peter Schreier, Helen Donath, Staatskapelle Berlin, Heinz Schunk, Bernhard Klee
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act II: Duet: So! jetzt hatt' ich ihn gefangen (Fluth, Frau Fluth)Otto Nicolai, Edith Mathis, Bernd Weikl, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act III: O susser Mond (Chorus)Otto Nicolai, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee, Berlin State Opera Chorus
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act III: Trio: Die Glocke schlug schon Mitternacht (Falstaff, Frau Fluth, Frau Reich)Otto Nicolai, Edith Mathis, Kurt Moll, Helen Donath, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act III: Mucken, Wespen, Fliegenchor (Chorus, Reich, Falstaff, Cajus, Sparlich)Otto Nicolai, Kurt Moll, Siegfried Vogel, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee, Claude Dormoy, Karl-Ernst Mercker, Berlin State Opera Chorus
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act III: Er gesteht noch immer nicht Fasst ihn, Geister, nach der Reih (Chorus, Reich)Otto Nicolai, Peter Schreier, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee, Berlin State Opera Chorus
Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor): Act III: Trio - Finale: So hat denn der Schwank der frohlichen Nacht (Frau Fluth, Anna, Frau Reich, Falstaff, Chorus, Fenton, Fluth, Reich)Otto Nicolai, Peter Schreier, Edith Mathis, Kurt Moll, Helen Donath, Hanna Schwarz, Bernd Weikl, Siegfried Vogel, Staatskapelle Berlin, Bernhard Klee, Berlin State Opera Chorus