J. Strauss - Die Fledermaus / Te Kanawa, Gruberova, Fassbaender, Bär, Wiener Philharmoniker, Previn

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
There may be more cornily entertaining readings of this perennial favorite on CD, but none that is sung more wonderfully. Star turns abound within fine ensemble performances: Kiri Te Kanawa is as involved as one has ever heard her, singing with beautiful, womanly tone and great wit, while Richard Leech's Alfred is both funny and handsomely sung. Brigitte Fassbaender's Orlovsky is truly ambiguous-aristocratic, Edita Gruberova is a high-spirited Adele, and Wolfgang Brendel's Eisenstein is secure and well-drawn. André Previn leads the Vienna State Opera forces with respect for their tradition, and they respond by playing and singing gloriously. Precisely what made the producers decide that the Act II party should be filled with extraneous "party" noises (mumblings, laughter, glasses clinking) is baffling, but it's overlookable. This one's tasty--enjoy! --Robert Levine

J. Strauss - Die Fledermaus / Te Kanawa, Gruberova, Fassbaender, Bär, Wiener Philharmoniker, Previn, Music, Johann Strauss II, André Previn, Wiener Philharmoniker, Kiri Te Kanawa, Edita Gruberova, Olaf Bär, Brigitte Fassbaender, Wolfgang Brendel, Chor der Wiener Staatsoper, Classical, Classical Music, German/Austrian Operetta, Opera, Opera / Operetta / Oratorio, Opera/Operetta
J. Strauss - Die Fledermaus / Te Kanawa, Gruberova, Fassbaender, Bär, Wiener Philharmoniker, Previn
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • This bat can fly!
  • An Enjoyable Version But Not The Finest
  • Indecisive!
  • I agree with the person from Düsseldorf....
  • A valuable second choice
 J. Strauss - Die Fledermaus / Te Kanawa, Gruberova, Fassbaender, Bär, Wiener Philharmoniker, Previn
Johann Strauss II , André Previn , Wiener Philharmoniker , Kiri Te Kanawa , Edita Gruberova , Olaf Bär , Brigitte Fassbaender , Wolfgang Brendel , and Chor der Wiener Staatsoper
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Strauss Jr., JohannStrauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Te Kanawa, KiriTe Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000413I
Release Date: 1991-11-08

Tracks:

  1. Die Fledermaus: Ouverture
  2. Die Fledermaus: Taubchen, das entflattert idt
  3. Die Fledermaus: Da schreibt meine Schwester Ida
  4. Die Fledermaus: Ach, ich darf nicht hin zu dir!
  5. Die Fledermaus: Nein, mitt solchen Advokaten
  6. Die Fledermaus: Komm mit mir zum Souper
  7. Die Fledermaus: So mub allein ich bleiben
  8. Die Fledermaus: Trinke, Liebchen, trinke schnell
  9. Die Fledermaus: Ich hore Stimmem
  10. Die Fledermaus: Mein Herr, Was dachten Sie von mirr
  11. Die Fledermaus: Nein, nein, ich zweifle gar nicht mehr
  12. Die Fledermaus: Act Three - Nr. 13 Melodram - Ein Fideles Gefangnis (Frosch) (Alfred) (Frank) (Adele) (Ida)
  13. Die Fledermaus: Act Three - Nr. 14 Couplets - Spiel Ich Die Unschuld Vom Lande (Adele) (Ida) (Frank)
  14. Die Fledermaus: Act Three - Nr. 15 Terzett - Ich Stehe Voll Zagen (Rosalinde) (Alfred) (Eisenstein)
  15. Die Fledermaus: Act Three - Nr. 16 Finale -O Fledermaus, O Fledermaus (Chor) (Eisentein) (Falke) (Orlofsky) (Adele) (Alfred) (Rosalinde) (Ida)

Tracks:

  1. Die Fledermaus: Ein Souper heut uns winkt
  2. Die Fledermaus: Ich lade gern mir Gaste ein
  3. Die Fledermaus: Ach, meine Herr'n und Damen
  4. Die Fledermaus: Mein Herr Marquis
  5. Die Fledermaus: Dieser Anstand, so mainerlich
  6. Die Fledermaus: Klange der Heimat
  7. Die Fledermaus: Im Feuerstrom der Reben
  8. Die Fledermaus: Herr, Chevalier, ich grube Sie!
  9. Die Fledermaus: Polka: Uter Donner und Blitz, Op.324
  10. Die Fledermaus: Genug damit, genug
  11. Die Fledermaus: Nr. 12 Entr'acte
  12. Die Fledermaus: Ein fideles Gefangis - Edita Gruberova (Adele)
  13. Die Fledermaus: Spiel' ich die Unschuld vom Lande - Edita Gruberova (Adele)
  14. Die Fledermaus: Ich stehe voll Zagen - Edita Gruberova (Adele)
  15. Die Fledermaus: O Fledermaus, o Fledermaus - Edita Gruberova (Adele)

Amazon.com

There may be more cornily entertaining readings of this perennial favorite on CD, but none that is sung more wonderfully. Star turns abound within fine ensemble performances: Kiri Te Kanawa is as involved as one has ever heard her, singing with beautiful, womanly tone and great wit, while Richard Leech's Alfred is both funny and handsomely sung. Brigitte Fassbaender's Orlovsky is truly ambiguous-aristocratic, Edita Gruberova is a high-spirited Adele, and Wolfgang Brendel's Eisenstein is secure and well-drawn. André Previn leads the Vienna State Opera forces with respect for their tradition, and they respond by playing and singing gloriously. Precisely what made the producers decide that the Act II party should be filled with extraneous "party" noises (mumblings, laughter, glasses clinking) is baffling, but it's overlookable. This one's tasty--enjoy! --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars This bat can fly!.......2003-04-01

This is a collection of highlights, not the entire operetta. The first five reviews I've read had mixed reactions, but all seemed pleased with this performance.

I found Edita Gruberova's Adele superlative. Just to hear her sing "Spiel' ich die Unschuld vom Lande," is worth the price of the CD. In the "Laughing Song" (Mein Herr Marquis), she smoothly, yet precisely, sings each note, unlike so many sopranos who seem to bark the laughs. Only Janet Perry approaches Gruberova in the quality of singing in this role.

For me, Kiri Te Kanawa practically owns the role of Rosalinde. Few can equal her in any of the arias. You'll believe she's really Hungarian.

Overall, I think you'll find this a beautifully-performed, spirited Fledermaus, where all the performers seem to be having a very good time.

5 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Version But Not The Finest.......2002-09-17

Everyone has their own opinions regarding recordings of operas and operettas. Die Fledermaus, being the most famous operetta, is subject to numerous interpretations. This particular version has Andre Previn conducting the Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper in German) which has the time-honored tradition of performing the classic operetta every New Years Eve. The chorus and party noises (glass tinkling, laughter, conversations,etc) adds to the realism and liveliness of the ball scene. Previn is a great conductor of classical music, but as for Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus, whose score features waltz-like, serenades and often French-style cabaret music, is not his cup of tea. The overture is not the finest interpretation. The singers are an ecclectic but formidable bunch. Kiri Te Kenawa, whom I had previously underestimated, sings an excellent Rosalinde, Fassbaender (spelled incorrectly, a woman) sings the role of Prince Orlofsky in a very comedic, brilliant manner and true to the original woman-in-trousers roles that were featured in Opera-buffas of Mozart times. Edita Gruberova, a coloratura soprano, although not at her best, sings a fair Adele and her "Mein Herr Marquis" aria is not as good as her other arias and trio roles. The waltzes and the drinking songs, the intimate dinner scenes and the maddening confusion that happens in Act 2 are all very well made. However, if you wish to buy a less darker, less restrained Die Fledermaus, get the Lucia Popps, Julia Varady version with Carlos Kleiber, noted German conductor who has more of a flair for this sort of music.

5 out of 5 stars Indecisive!.......2000-10-01

I have not listened to this set completely, besides the samples provided by amazon, so I could not fairly give a rating. However from the clips this is no concrete reccommendation. Kiri Te Kanawa is indeed a beautiful soprano, but she sounds a bit flat and uninvolved. Brendel's Einstein is hideous. The performer who seems to be getting slaughtered was actually a very good cast for characterization. Gruberova is always so delightful, it's just that her execution isn't so clean all the time, indeed, it sounds like a bloody mess sometimes. But that is this recording and this operetta, and isn't so in everything she sings, everytime. So she sounds like she's sitting on ice sometimes, it's perfect casting for this operetta and the subsequent atmosphere. The Alfred is very good indeed. Previn conducts this more like a tragic grand opera. I recommend the 1960 Decca recording by Karajan, with the sensational Hilde Gueden as Rosalinde, Waldemar Kmnett, and Erika Koth. Karajan, suprisingly, is very much in the background with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and there is a wonderful surprise bonus with the Gala Sequence.

3 out of 5 stars I agree with the person from Düsseldorf...........2000-06-15

Although I have not purchased this CD, and have only listened to certain popular selections of it... like "Dieser anstand, so manierlich (Brendel & Te Kanawa)," "Im Feuerstrom de reben (Fassbaender, Gruberova, Brendel)" and the sound sample offered by Amazon of Edita Gruberova singing the Laughing Song ("Mein Herr Marquis"). I don't have anything against the majority of the singers in this cast, except for Gruberova. Gruberova's coloratura is absolutely ghastly when compared to others out there. If you have ever heard her sing "Je veux vivre" from Gounod's Romeo et Juliette you will know what I mean... you just cringe.

However, I do like the directing from Mr. Previn and the wonderful orchestra and party-like atmosphere. And Kiri Te Kanawa is absolutely perfect for the role of Eisenstein's wife.

But... I think the recording with Lucia Popp as Adele is definitely one to have. She has a beautifully elegant, young but womanly tone and can do fantastically precise coloratura. If you have heard her in the role of the Queen of the Night from Die Zauberflöte, there is no comparison. I'm not the only person who raves about her either... she's a fantastic coloratura soprano.

Varady's soprano voice is just fine in Kleiber's Die Fledermaus, and Hermann Prey does fine playing von Eisenstein. The baritone Thomas Allen played in this role just recently at the Lyric Opera in Chicago just a couple of weeks ago and did a fine job. I think a baritone cast in the role is certainly acceptable. Ivan Rebroff plays Prinz Orlovsky and appropriately makes the character what he should be, jovial and silly.

This CD with Te Kanawa and Gruberova certainly does have a star-filled cast and world renowned conductor, orchestra, and chorus... but I believe the recording of Die Fledermaus to own is the one with Kleiber conducting the Bavarian State Opera Chorus and Orchestra and Varady, Prey, and Popp. Plus... It's cheaper!

3 out of 5 stars A valuable second choice.......1999-12-30

This performance of Die Fledermaus is no doubt beautifully performed, especially Fassbaenders aria is a jewel. However, the atmosphere is somehow cool and artificial, Te Kanawa and Gruberova have difficulties with the operetta setting of the plot. Previn does not serve the "champagne", his conducting is somehow a little too operatic. If you like to have a second version of the "bat" in your collection, choose this one or the live performance of the Vienna Volksoper in Japan (Denon). If you only need one version, the choice second to none is the Carlos Kleiber version with Varady / Prey - even if it was only for the quality of the orchestral interpretation (although assigning the role of the prince to a basso singing falsetto - Ivan Rebroff - is a question of taste).
J. Strauss: Die Fledermaus / Te Kanawa, Gruberova, Previn [highlights]
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		J. Strauss: Die Fledermaus / Te Kanawa, Gruberova, Previn [highlights]
    Johann Strauss II , André Previn , Kiri Te Kanawa , Edita Gruberova , Wiener Philharmoniker , Brigitte Fassbaender , Wolfgang Brendel , Richard Leech , Olaf Bär , and Tom Krause
    Manufacturer: Polygram Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Strauss Jr., JohannStrauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Te Kanawa, KiriTe Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000004172
    Release Date: 1993-12-14

    Tracks:

    1. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Overture
    2. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: So muss allein ich bleiben
    3. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Trinke, Liebchen, trinke schnell
    4. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Mein Herr, was dachten Sie von mir
    5. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Ich lade gern mir Gaste ein
    6. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Mein Herr Marquis
    7. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Dieser Anstand, so manierlich
    8. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Klange der Heimat
    9. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Im Feuerstrom der Reben
    10. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Herr Chevalier, ich grusse sie!
    11. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Polka: Unter Donner und Blitz op. 324
    12. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Genug damit, genug
    13. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Entr'acte
    14. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: Spiel' ich die Unschuld vom Lande
    15. Die Fledermaus - Highlights: O Fledermaus, o Fledermaus

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