Sylvia Hotel

Sylvia Hotel

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Since her first independent EP appeared in 1983, Cheryl Wheeler has been keeping her fans content and more than confounding critics who might prefer to pigeonhole her. This gifted singer/songwriter can shift from deep irony to deeper emotion in the space of a single measure. On Sylvia Hotel, Wheeler's comic brio is particularly abundant. Witness her tongue-twisting, starchy paean to the potato (to the tune of the "Mexican Hat Dance"!)--this is most definitely roots music with a difference. Then there's "Meow," an ode to her master-slave relationship with a saucy, self-loving feline: "I see you in Memphis on the Nile in the spring / Swinging through some palace doing your Egyptian king thing," Wheeler growls. But there are also several beautifully serious songs--such as "His Hometown," a keen tribute to some stronger roots, and "Lighting Up the Mighty Mississippi"--that wreak emotional havoc on listeners' hearts. Leavened with essential humor, abiding images, and sublime harmonies (courtesy of Lucy Kaplansky), Sylvia Hotel should break Wheeler out once and for all. --Kerry Fried

Tracks:

His Hometown
But The Days And Nights Are Long
If It Were Up To Me
Right Way To Do The Wrong Thing
All The Live Long Day
Sylvia Hotel
Unworthy
Rainy Road Into Atlanta
Lighting Up The Mighty Mississippi
Potato
Meow
Who Am I Foolin'?

Amazon.com

Since her first independent EP appeared in 1983, Cheryl Wheeler has been keeping her fans content and more than confounding critics who might prefer to pigeonhole her. This gifted singer/songwriter can shift from deep irony to deeper emotion in the space of a single measure. On Sylvia Hotel, Wheeler's comic brio is particularly abundant. Witness her tongue-twisting, starchy paean to the potato (to the tune of the "Mexican Hat Dance"!)--this is most definitely roots music with a difference. Then there's "Meow," an ode to her master-slave relationship with a saucy, self-loving feline: "I see you in Memphis on the Nile in the spring / Swinging through some palace doing your Egyptian king thing," Wheeler growls. But there are also several beautifully serious songs--such as "His Hometown," a keen tribute to some stronger roots, and "Lighting Up the Mighty Mississippi"--that wreak emotional havoc on listeners' hearts. Leavened with essential humor, abiding images, and sublime harmonies (courtesy of Lucy Kaplansky), Sylvia Hotel should break Wheeler out once and for all. --Kerry Fried

Customer Reviews:

A Terrific CD of Charming, Thought-Provoking Songs.......2006-04-19

One of the most insightful, eloquent, and fun songwriters working today, Cheryl Wheeler is a treasure to listen to on Sylvia Hotel, whether she's singing a thoughtful ballad like "If It Were Up to Me," a touching tribute like "His Hometown," or a fun bit of wordplay like "Potato." Her serious songs don't evoke sadness as much as consideration, and her more light-hearted tunes are always well-crafted reminders that we shouldn't take ourselves too seriously. It's only life, after all.

I can't tell you if Sylvia Hotel is her best, worst, or what-have-you -- I like pretty much everything she writes and sings. What I CAN tell you is that if you enjoy singer/songwriters with a brain who can write smart lyrics that sound deceivingly simple and clear, you'll like this album. And, in fact, you'll probably end up buying more of her CDs once this one has infused itself into your brain.

Lastly, I will say that listening to the "Samples" on the product page may help you decide IF you already know you like Cheryl. If you're not really familiar with her style yet, though, those Samples don't really do her justice because a lot of her charm comes through in the storytelling, which takes a little longer than the Samples allow.

Subservient to a cat.......2005-07-09

Women may think they can control of their lives these days, but it seems that this is not the case when it comes to their pet cats, if Cheryl's tribute to her own cat (Meow) is to be believed. In this song, Cheryl acknowledges that her purpose is to do whatever her cat wants. Another great song (If it were up to me) is about people finding all sorts of things to blame for the problems in American society but Cheryl would remove guns.

Two live cuts show Cheryl's sense of humor at its best. The first (I'm unworthy) takes a satirical look at all the expectations heaped on people in the modern world - of course, there's no way that she will ever be able to do them all. The other (Potato) is an ode to the plant that grows so that may eat it in various forms.

The other songs here demonstrate Cheryl's softer, poetic side. She describes a man who is happy with his life in one place (His hometown) but also sings about life on the road (Lighting up the mighty Mississippi). The other songs are sad ballads of depression and loneliness, all of which Cheryl sings superbly. However, it is the lighter songs that really stand out from this album.

This may not be Cheryl's strongest album but it is still a great album that should please Cheryl's fans.

You won't believe your ears when you hear this..........2002-04-05

I live in Colorado and was just down the street from Columbine High School when the shootings occurred. It was an overwhelming time for many of us, in Colorado and elsewhere, and it was hard to find ways to deal with the confusion and anger and frustration. Shortly after the shootings several radio stations started to play a song called "If It Were Up To Me". I'd never heard it before, but I rushed out and bought a copy of Sylvia Hotel. It is a powerful song with an even more powerful message and for me, it was perfect for that whole horrible incident. It expressed my confusion and frustration. I don't know the answer to these horrible things happening in our world, but I have some thoughts on how we can at least try to fix it! (I won't ruin the power of the song by giving it away...)

While I bought the album for just one song, the rest of the album has hooked me and I can hardly pick out a favorite song over the rest. "But the Days and Night Are Long", "Sylvia Hotel", "Rainy Road Into Atlanta" and "Lighting Up the Mighty Mississippi" are some of my favorite ballads ever--and I LOVE ballads! Meanwhile, Cheryl shows some wonderful versatility with fun songs like "Potato" and "Unworthy". If you've ever attended a Lilith Fair, if you own an Indigo Girls, Natalie Merchant, or Joan Armatrading CD, or if you just want to hear some really great music by a really talented musician, buy this CD!

Disappointed by this one.......2002-04-04

I love Cheryl Wheeler but this is the first CD of hers I have not played over and over again. I suppose maybe if I did it would grow on me, but I have not as nothing really caught my attention, other than the title as I like the Sylvia Hotel. Nothing much to say about this one, I'm afraid.

One of the best female singer songwriters.......2001-10-24

Wheeler has such a beautiful and expressive that even if she wasn't a singer-songwriter she would have a career in Music. She is also a great performer, and a funny woman, making all this together, an artist you can't resist.

This is Wheeler 5th release and not much different than her previous releases. Her songs are mostly personal, about being an everyday woman, an average person living in a crazy word. In But The Days And Nights Are Long, she sings:

Life is short, but the days and nights are long
Time will heal all the wounds
Someday soon I'll be rising, I'll be strong..."

In an anti-gun song, which is, as it should be the most rocking song, If It Were Up To
Me, she makes a list of the reasons that make people kill, but accuses the guns:

Maybe it's the movies, maybe it's the books
Maybe it's the bullets, maybe it's the real crooks
Maybe it's the drugs....
...
Maybe It's the fertilizer, maybe it's the nose rings
Maybe it's the end, but I know one thing
If it were up to me, I'd Take away the guns.

A very effective song, that could convince some people (am I still too optimistic, at my
age?) and may save a few life. A must listen for every congressman, tired of
impeachments and other apples.

Tracks:

The Magic Flute: Aria, Act I: Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
The Abduction From The Seraglio: Aria, Act I: Hier Soll Ich Dich Denn Sehen
The Abduction From The Seraglio: Aria, Act II: Wenn Der Freude Tranen Fliessen
La Traviata: Act I: O Freunde, So Leeret In Vollen Zugen (Libiamo Ni' Lieti Calici)
La Traviata: Duet, Act I: O, Lass Uns Fliehen Aus Diesen Mauern (Parigi, O Cara, Noi Lasceremo)
Eugen Onegin: Aria, Act I: Wohin Seid Ihr Entschwunden (Kuda, Kuda, Kuda Vi Udalilis)
Zar Und Zimmermann: Act I: Lebe Wohl, Mein Flandrisch Madchen
Der Waffenschmied: Aria, Act I: Man Wird Ja Einmal Nur Geboren
The Barber Of Seville: Duet, Act I: Strahlt Auf Mich Der Blitz Des Goldes (All'idea Di Quel Metallo)
Rigoletto: Duet, Act I: Ich Denk Ihn Lieber Mir Von Meinem Stande - Liebe Ist Seligkeit, Ist Licht Und Leben
Don Carlos: Duet, Act II: Er Ist's! Carlos! Mein Prinz! - Gott, Der Entflammte Der Liebe Heisse Glut
La Boheme: Duet, Act IV: Infame Feder! Welch Scheusslicher Pinsel! Ach, Geliebte, Nie Kehrst Du Mir Wieder!
TOSCA: Aria, Act III: Und Es Blitzten Die Sterne

Tracks:

Serse: Frondi Tenere, E Belle - Ombra Mai Fu
Serse: Piu Che Penso Alle Fiamme Del Core
Serse: Se Bramate D'Amar, Chi Vi Sdegna
Serse: Crude Furie Degl'orridi Abissi
Giulio Cesare: Svegliatevi Nel Core
Giulio Cesare: Son Nata A Lagrimar
Giulio Cesare: L'Angue Offeso Mai Riposa
Iphigenie en Tauride: Unis De La Plus Tendre Enfance
Iphigenie en Tauride: O Moment Trop Heureux! - Et Tu Pretends Encore Que Tu M'Aimes?
La Sonnambula: Prendi: L'Anel Ti Dono
Les Dragons de Villars: Ne Parle Pas, Rose, Je T'En Supplie
Das Nachtlager In Granada: Doche Nun Zu Dir - Trenne Nicht Das Band Der Liebe
Les pecheurs de perles: C'est Toi - Au Fond Du Temple Saint

Tracks:

Die schone Mullerin: Das Wandern
Die schone Mullerin: Wohin?
Die schone Mullerin: Halt!
Die schone Mullerin: Danksagung An Den Bach
Die schone Mullerin: Am Feierabend
Die schone Mullerin: Der Neugierige
Die schone Mullerin: Ungeduld
Die schone Mullerin: Morgengru
Die schone Mullerin: Des M Blumen
Die schone Mullerin: Trnregen
Die schone Mullerin: Mein!
Die schone Mullerin: Pause
Die schone Mullerin: Mit Dem Grautenbande
Die schone Mullerin: Der Jr
Die schone Mullerin: Eifersucht Und Stolz
Die schone Mullerin: Die Liebe Farbe
Die schone Mullerin: Die BFarbe
Die schone Mullerin: Trockne Blumen
Die schone Mullerin: Der MUnd Der Bach
Die schone Mullerin: Des Baches Wiegenlied
Die schone Mullerin: Die Forelle D 550
Die schone Mullerin: Frsglaube D 686
Die schone Mullerin: Heidenrin D 257

Tracks:

Dighterliebe: Im Wundersch Monat Mai
Dighterliebe: Aus Meinen Trn Sprien
Dighterliebe: Die Rose, Die Lilie, Die Taube, Die Sonne
Dighterliebe: Wenn Ich In Deine Augen Seh'
Dighterliebe: Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen
Dighterliebe: Im Rhein, Im Heiligen Strome
Dighterliebe: Ich Grolle Nicht
Dighterliebe: Und Ws Die Blumen
Dighterliebe: Das Ist Ein Fl Und Geigen
Dighterliebe: HIch Das Liedchen Klingen
Dighterliebe: Ein Jg Liebt Ein Mhen
Dighterliebe: Am Leuchtenden Sommermorgen
Dighterliebe: Ich Hab' Im Traum Geweinet
Dighterliebe: Allntlich Im Traume Seh' Ich Dich
Dighterliebe: Aus Alten Mhen Winkt es
Dighterliebe: Die Alten, B Lieder
4 Lieder: Zliche Liebe
4 Lieder: Adelaide
4 Lieder: Resignation
4 Lieder: Der Ku
9 Lieder: An Silvia
9 Lieder: Lied Eines Schiffers An Die Dioskuren
9 Lieder: Liebhaber In Allen Gestalten
9 Lieder: Der Einsame
9 Lieder: Im Abendrot
9 Lieder: Stchen
9 Lieder: An Die Laute
9 Lieder: Der Musensohn
9 Lieder: An Die Musik

Tracks:

Spanish Fantasy: Granada
O Sole Mio
Morning Song: Mattinata
Neapolitanishes: Funiculi - Funicula
Song And Slow Waltz: Vergiss Mein Nicht
Ob BLond, Ob Braun, Ich Liebe Alle Frau'n
Heute Nacht Oder Nie
Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt
Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein
Ich Kenn' Ein Kleines Wegerl Im Helenental
Draussen In Sievering
Ich Weiss Auf Der Wieden Ein Kleines Hotel
Ich Muss Wieder Einmal In Grinzing Sein
Im Prater Bluh'n wieder Die Baume
Ich Hab' Die Schonen Maderln Net Erfunden
Wien Wird Bei Nacht Erst Schon

Customer Reviews:

One of the greatest tenors ever.......2005-03-15

When Fritz Wunderlich died (tragically, in an accident) at the
age of 36, some of Opera's greatest experts and critics were
devastated and called his death a "heavy blow to music."

How true. Wunderlich never had the chance to get international
exposure at the level modern tenors do. He lived in the "wrong era", before media hype, and he died youg - much too young.

Yet even today, Wunderlich experiences a remarkable renaissance.
The world has (re-)discovered this gorgeous voice. Monaco and
Corelli had more power (though not much more), Bjoerling's and
Pavarotti's and Joseph Schmidt's timbres were more ringing (though not much more), Di Stefano and Carreras sang more sweetly (though not much more), and Bergonzi's and Tucker's belcanti were fabulous.

But hardly any of those had all thoe qualities combined like Fritz Wunderlich. Listen to his breathtaking musicality when he sang Mozart, his effortless height, his clear diction (probably unparalleled by any opera singer ever), his phrasing, his passion when he sang Verdi or Puccini.

And his height ... has there ever been a tenor who could reach,
seemingly without effort, the high D (no printing mistake...)
the way he did in "Granada" ?

And not just that he hit the high notes. It's how he hit them:
with expression, intelligence and, wherever required (mainly in
song and operetta), with wit and charm.

His Lieder are exemplary, his Italian songs probably more impressive than most Italian tenors'.

If one imagines that Wunderlich was just at the beginning of his career, one shudders at how great he would have become. I think he would have been mentioned in one breath with Caruso and Gigli.

What a huge loss to music, indeed.

One Of The Finest Male Singers We Will Ever Know.......2000-10-29

I don't claim to know a great deal about opera and my knowledge of great classical music singers -- German or otherwise -- is limited to the usual list of suspects and divas. But as far as I'm concerned, Fritz Wunderlich possessed one of the greatest God-given voices you will ever hear in ANY type of Western music. If you ever wondered why so many music critics still lament this man's tragic death before he could become a household name, I would advise you to purchase this collection. Good Lord, what a voice! Believe me, once you hear ol' Fritz belt out a few tunes, you won't be thinking of any other male singer in any other type of music (whether it's Pavrotti, Domingo, Melchior, Vickers, Fischer-Dieskau, Sinatra, Nat "King" Cole, Billy Eckstine, Elvis, George Jones, Sam Cooke or even Bob Dylan) for some time. Herr Wunderlich was simply in a class by himself, and you are also strongly urged to get his EMI recording with Christa Ludwig and Otto Klemperer of Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde. Be warned, though, on that one. Not only will he shatter your heart with his singing of Mahler's sad lyrics, but he's liable to cause you lockjaw with his unique, incomparable phrasing.

Average customer rating:

Rêveries

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Exsultate Jubilate and other Works by Handel and Mozart
Sylvia McNair - The Echoing Air ~ The Music of Henry Purcell / AAM, Hogwood
Voices of our Time - Sylvia McNair / Roger Vignoles, Chatelet Opera
Ravel: Shéhérazade - Debussy: La damoiselle elue - Britten: Les illuminations / McNair, Graham, Ozawa
Sylvia McNair: Love's Sweet Surrender (Mozart Arias)

ASIN: B0000041KJ
Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

Ariettes Oubliees: C'est l'extase langoureuse
Ariettes Oubliees: Il pleure dans mon coeur
Ariettes Oubliees: L'ombre des arbres dans la riviere embrumee
Ariettes Oubliees: Paysages belges: Chevaux de bois
Ariettes Oubliees: Aquarelles: I. Green
Ariettes Oubliees: Aquarelles: II. Spleen
La coccinelle
Adieux de l'hotesse arabe
Pastel
Vous ne priez pas
Trois Melodies: 1. Pourquoi
Trois Melodies: 2. Le sourire
Trois Melodies: 3. La fiancee perdue
Reve d'amour
Au bord de l'eau
Notre amour
Bleuet Banalites
BANALITES: 2. Hotel
BANALITES: 4. Voyage a Paris
METAMORPHOSES: 1. Reine des mouettes
METAMORPHOSES: 2. C'est ainsi que tu es
METAMORPHOSES: 3. Paganini

Average customer rating:

Correction
Fritz Wunderlich can do no wrong....
The Wonder of Wunderlich
I wish I could give this release more than 5 stars: it's terrific!!!

The Art of Fritz Wunderlich

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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The Magic of Wunderlich [Includes Bonus DVD]
Fritz Wunderlich: Great German Tenor
Schumann: Dichterliebe / Wunderlich, Giesen
Schubert: Die Schöne Müllerin, 3 Lieder / Fritz Wunderlich
Carlo Bergonzi - The Sublime Voice ~ 40 Tracks from the Legendary Tenor

ASIN: B0009PLMQW
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Duetto And Chorus: Kommt, Eilet Und Laufet
Aria: Sanfte Soll Mein Todeskummer
Recitative And Chorale: O Schmerz! Hier Zittert Das Gequalte Herz
Aria With Chorus: Ich Will Bei Meinem Jesu Wachen
Recitative: Mein Jesus Schweigt Zu Falschen Lugen Stille
Aria: Geduld!
Duet: Et Misericordia
Aria: Deposuit Potentes
Recitative: So Stehe Denn, Du Gottergeb'ne Seele
Aria: Adam Muss In Uns Verwesen
Chorus: Jauchzet, Frohlocket, Auf, Preiset Die Tage
Recitative: Es Begab Sich Aber Zu Der Zeit
Aria: Frohe Hirten, Eilt, Ach Eilet
Aria: Ich Will Nur Dir Zu Ehren Leben
Recitative: Und Liess Versammeln Alle Hohenpriester
Terzetto: Ach! Wann Wird Die Zeit Erscheinen
Recitative: Und Gott Befahl Ihnen Im Traum-Genug, Mein Schatz Geht Nicht Von Hier
Aria: Nun Mogt Ihr Stolzen Feinde Schrecken

Tracks:

Overture
Aria: Hier Soll Ich Dich Denn Sehen
Recitative And Aria: Konstanze, Dich Wiederzusehen, Dich!/O Wie Angstlich, O Wie Feurig
Aria: Wenn Der Freude Tranen Fliessen
Quartet: Ach! Belmonte! Ach, Mein Leben!
Aria: Ich Baue Ganz Auf Deine Starke
Recitative And Aria: Welch Ein Geschick!/Wie, Du Solltest Fur Mich Sterben!
Aria: Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schon
Zum Ziele Fuhrt Dich Diese Bahn
Wie Stark Ist Nicht Dein Zauberton
Der Welcher Wandert Diese Strasse Vol Beschwerden
Tamino Mein! O Welch Ein Gluck!

Tracks:

Duet: Strahlt Auf Mich Der Blitz Des Goldes - Hermann Prey
Duet: Hier Nimm Den Ring Der Treue
Scene And Duet: Ich Denk Ihn Lieber Mir Von Meinem Stande/Liebe Ist Seligkeit, Ist Licht Und Leben
Toast: O Freunde, So Leeret In Vollen Zugen - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Duet: Ich Sah Euch Lieblich Und Engelsschon - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Duet: O, Lass Uns Fliehen Aus Diesen Mauern - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Scene And Duet: er Ist's! Carlos! Mein PRinz!/Gott, Der Entflammte Der Liebe Heisse Glut - Hermann Prey
Duet: Infame Feder! Welch Scheusslicher Pinsel/Ach, Geliebte! Nie Kehrst Du mir Wieder! - Hermann Prey
Aria: Und Es Blitzten Die Sterne
Scene: Nicht An Mich, Geliebter, Denke
Duet: Du Sussester Engel, Wie Herrlich Hast Du Geteufelt!
Leukippos, Du?
Arioso: Ja, Ich Lieb Sie, Olga
Aria: Wohin Seid Ihr Entschwunden

Tracks:

Recitative And Arioso: Holdes Laubgezewig, Du Schones/Schattige Ruh, Nie Gab Natur Sie Mir
Aria: Der Gedanke An Die Flammen Der Liebe
Aria: Bleibt Ihr Treu Dem, Der Euch So Verachtet?
Aria: Finstre Furie, Ihr Geister Der Holle
Aria: Nur Einen wunsch, Nur Ein Verlangen - Hermann Prey
Recitative And Duet: O Unverhofftes Gluck/Das Hore Ich Von Dir, Von Meinem Freunde? - Hermann Prey
Ma Se Il Nostro Gioir/Alcun Non Sia
Perche A Lo Sdegno/Padre Cortese/Si Non Vedro
Aria: Erwacht In Meinem Herzen
Duet: Nur Weinen Lernte Ich/Nur Klagen lernte Ich
Aria: Keine Schlange Lasst Sich Toten
Romance: O Schweige Still, O Lasse Dich Erbitten
Trio: Doch Nun Zu Dir/Trenne Nicht Das Band Der Liebe - Hermann Prey
Aria: Man Wird Ja Einmal Nur Geboren
Song: Lebe Wohl, Mein Flandrisch Madchen - Chor Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Recitative And Duet: Du Stehst Wirklich Vor Mir/Der tempel Brahmas Strahlt - Hermann Prey

Tracks:

I. Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai
II. Aus Meinen Tranen Spriessen
III. Die Rose, Die Lilie, Die Taube, Die Sonne
IV. Wenn Ich In Deine Augen Seh
V. Ich Will Meine Seele Tauchen
VI. Im Rhein, Im Heiligen Strome
VII. Ich Grolle Nicht
VIII. Und Wussten's Die Blumen, Die Kleinen
IX. Das Ist Ein Floten Und Geigen
X. Hor Ich Das Liedchen Klingen
XI. Ein Jungling Liebt Ein Madchen
XII. Am Leuchtenden Sommermorgen
XIII. Ich Hab Im Traum Geweinet
XIV. Allnachtlich Im Traume Seh Ich Dich
XV. Aus Alten Marchen Winkt Es
XVI. Die Alten Bosen Lieder
Zartliche Liebe: 'Ich Liebe Dich' WoO 123
Adelaide Op.46
Resignation WoO 149
Der Kuss Op.128
Was Ist Silvia, Saget An
Lied Eines Schiffers An Die Dioskuren D 360
Liebhaber In Allen Gestalten D 558
Der Einsame D 800
Im Abendrot Op. Post. D 799
Leise Flehen Meine Lieder
An Die Laute D 905
Der Musensohn D 764
An Die Musik D 547

Tracks:

Granada
Mattinata
Funiculi-Funicula
O Sole Mio
Vergiss Mein Nicht
Ein Lied Geht Um Die Welt
Du Bist Die Welt Fur Mich
Ich Kusse Ihre Hand, Madame
Caro Mio Ben
Ave Maria
Plaisir D'Amour
La Danza
Serenade: Fern Im Weiten Land, Dort Unten Im Suden
Be My Love
Santa Lucia
Tiritomba
Heute Nacht Oder Nie

Tracks:

Wien, Wien, Nur Du Allein
Denk Dir, Die Welt War Ein Blumenstrauss
Ich Kenn Ein Kleines Wegerl Im Helenental
In Wien Gibt's Manch Winziges Gasserl
Draussen In Sievering
Ich Weiss Auf Der Wieden Ein Kleines Hotel
Ich Muss Wieder Einmal In Grinzing Sein
Im Prater Bluhn Wieder Die Baume
Herr Hofrat, Erinnern Sie Sich Noch?
I Hab Die Schonen Maderln Net Erfunden
Es Steht Ein Alter Nussbaum Drausst In Heiligenstadt
Wien Wird Bei Nacht Erst Schon
Wenn Es Abend Wird/Gruss Mir Mein Wien
Ob Blond, Ob Braun, Ich Liebe Alle Frau'n
Weine Nicht, Bricht Eine Schone Frau Dir Das Herz
Mein Herz Ruft Immer Nur Nach Dir, O Marita
Eine Kleine Fruhlingsweise
Schlaf Ein, Mein Blond-Engelein
Annchen Von Tarau
Still Wie Die Nacht

Customer Reviews:

Correction.......2006-12-13

Now folks, both of what the two other reviewers wrote about the tragical death of Fritz Wunderlich is wrong. Wunderlich died in hospital at September 17 1966. He had broken his skull, when he fell down the stairs in the hunting-house of a friend. Late in the evening of September 16, Wunderlich, as usual when not at home, had phoned his wife in Munich. He was very tired from strolling through the forest the whole day, making out the ideal locations for the hunt, which should start early in the next morning (Wunderlich was a passionate hunter). After he had wished his wife a good night, he went to the staircase in order to go down to his bedroom at the first floor. He still wore his heavy hunting boots - with open shoestrings! As walking downstairs, Wunderlich struggled over the open shoestrings and grabbed for the banisters, which was not more than a rope, fixed to the wall. The banisters teared out, and Wunderlich fell down the whole stairs. Fritz Wunderlich died in hospital the next day. It was only short before his 36'th birthday. An exceptional singing career had come to an untimely end. Some people believe that Wunderlich was drunken at the time of accident. If this is true can't be proven any more. But still this is not what his close friends said, regarding his accident and his death. In my opinion Wunderlich was the last of the really great tenors of the last century. All the tenors which came to fame after him (sorry folks, even such maestros as Pavarotti and Domingo) lack a certain quality in singing. It's the ease of breath flow, or singing on the breath without pushing the voice, it's the overtones, the legato, the mezza voce, the messa di voce and many more things - in short: the overall beauty of the voice through both registers. Wunderlich was the last tenor who had all this. Other examples are Caruso, McCormack, Gigli (despite the sobbing in his later recordings) and of course the wonderful Jussi Björling. But these are only some few names. If you listen for example to the cd's in the box "Famous tenors of the past" you will find that there were many very good and outstanding tenors in the first half of the 20'th century and - as we can only assume - in the time before the invention of the grammophone. Take a close look at todays famous tenors (I know, there are some quite good and promising ones) but what are they in comparison to those tenors (or better to say, to their voices and singing) I just mentioned before?

Please make your own decision.

Fritz Wunderlich can do no wrong...........2006-05-05

... okay, maybe. It's just that I've never heard a recording I didn't love. And I prefer that he sing everything in German even when that means not using original language.

This is a bit strange because I'm most often bugged by Don Carlos and Vepres in Italian (just a personal quirk). Of course, I'm also bugged by dropping the "s" in Don Carlos, which is always incorrect. The man's name IS Carlos whether in Italian or French.

I tried to write Mr. Avila a personal note, but could not, so let me say that Fritz Wunderlich did not die of cancer, but a dreadful accident in Scotland (I'll not go into the whys and wherefores, I just wanted to set PART of the record straight.)

The Wonder of Wunderlich.......2005-11-22

Deutsche Grammophone does it again! This is an extensive 3-cd compilation album featuring the artistry of the great German tenor Fritz Wunderlich in a variety of vocal repertoire - Baroque cantata/oratorio, opera and Lieder. Like the other critic pointed out, I first heard Fritz sinigng a superb Tamino in the Karl Bohm Magic Flute, although I have also heard him sing Lieder opposite the mezzo soprano Christa Ludwig and baritone Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, who were his contemporaries and colleagues. Wunderlich died tragically in 1966 of cancer. He inspired a generation of purely lyric tenors or "tenors di grazie" whose charming voice would never roughen and lack grace. His Germanic style earned him popularity in World War II Europe and he was the leading exponent of Lieder in the 50's. His tenor voice is glorious, as close to a male angel as possible. On this recording, we are treated to sumptuous arias from Bach's Christmas/Easter Oratorios, and movements from 2 cantatas. Also noteworthy are the unsurpassed performances of Mozart tenor heroes- such as Belmonte from "Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail" (Abduction from the Seraglio) and his unbeatable Tamino from Die Zauberflote The Magic Flute. He sings bel canto opera arias fo tenor, from master composers Rossinni, Bellini and Verdi. While I don't much like that he is singing Italian arias in German, one must remember that at this time, in the LP Era of World War II Germany and Austria, German-born opera singers sang Italian opera in German translation/revisions. While many German singers could indeed sing in Italian, they were mostly trained to sing it in German because of excessive national pride and because Germans viewed Italian opera as course and un-melodic. Still, there have been superb German singers who sang in Italian like Wagner diva Birgit Nilsson,baritone Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, tenor Peter Schreier, soprano Edda Moser, baritone Walter Berry, tenor Herman Pretty, all post-Wunderlich sensations. Wunderlich sings Lieder in one CD with great and unrivaled musicianship. Especially impressive are the Viennese pieces. Further to the cd's this album is equipped with photos of Wunderlich and his family and a detailed profile biography.

I wish I could give this release more than 5 stars: it's terrific!!!.......2005-10-28

I knew little about the German tenor Fritz Wunderlich (1930-1966), except reading the accolades given to his recordings and performances by reviewers in "American Record Guide" over the past 13 years. I knew Wunderlich recorded the role of Tamino in the famous DG recording of Mozart's "Die Zauberflote", with Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (Now on DG Originals CDs), but was not aware of what a wide range of repertoire he had until hearing this release.

This release has a wide variety of Wunderlich's discography, including Bach arias from his Christmas and Easter Oratorios, and movements from 2 cantatas; his Mozart roles in "Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail" (Eugen Jochum/Bavarian Radio Orchestra) and "Die Zauberflote" (Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic); a variety of arias and duets by Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Richard Strauss, mostly sung in German, and with Hermann Prey, baritone and Erika Koth, soprano in many of the duets; Baroque arias by Handel, from "Xerxes" (including the famous "Ombre mai fu" sung in German) and "Julius Caesar", selections from Monteverdi's "Orfeo" (an early track from 1955 sung in Italian); Schumann's "Dichterliebe", 4 Beethoven Lieder, including "Adelaide" and "Der Kuss"; and 9 Schubert lieder, including "An der Musik," and "Der Musensohn", all with Hubert Giesen, piano; Popular songs such as "Granada" and Viennese songs, with chamber orchestra accompaniment. There are no texts for the songs, but you may have text booklets with other CD releases, so don't really need them when you hear Wunderlich's beautiful voice.

There is a booklet with articles about Wunderlich's career, including a preface by his widow, Eva Wunderlich, photos of Wunderlich as a boy and young man, with his wife Eva in 1965, and children Constanze, Wolfgang, and Barbara. I enjoy reading and looking at the booklet, even apart from listening to the beautiful recordings.

Wunderlich was a genius, and his voice sounds great in every track, mono (some, but not a majority) and stereo (most of the tracks in the 7 discs are stereo) alike. If you love great music, and opera, but like me aren't often of a mind to sit still for 3 hours to listen to one, get this. It's a great release, and reasonably priced to boot. I'm thankful to God for great music, for the ability to hear and feel, and for Fritz Wunderlich and his service to music lovers everywhere.

Music Review:

Music Review

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