Franz Lehar - The Merry Widow - Sung In English
Label: SEPIA Catalog: SEPIA1356 Format: CD Lisa Della Casa John ReardonOpening Chorus We Are Alone Hanna's Entrance Maxim's Finale Act I Vilja Soldier Boy Women Love In My Heart Finale Act II Grisettes Merry Widow Waltz / Finale Act III Ave Maria Ave Maria! Jungfrau Mild Lehár's gorgeous score is the main reason why The Merry Widow retains its timeless appeal, and it's an especial treat in this remastered recording from 1962, translated into English for two main reasons and first time on CD. First, it is blessed by the conducting of Franz Allers, whose energetic approach in this Merry Widow is familiar from his performance on the original Broadway cast album of My Fair Lady. The second reason why this album is such a treat is that it features opera singer Lisa Della Casa in the title role. Della Casa rose to fame thanks to her outstanding performances of the main soprano roles by Mozart and especially Richard Strauss; she is regarded as the greatest interpreter of all time of the title role of Strauss's Arabella. The reason for this acclaim is the creamy tone of her voice, which is perfect for operetta; it can also be heard in the two bonus tracks of Bach and Schubert's settings of the "Ave Maria," recorded earlier in her career. Price: $22.98 |