LORTZING Der Wildschütz (Highlights) / Christoph Stepp | Deutsche Grammophon

With this upcoming album featuring the first complete digital release of a historic 1965 recording of Albert Lortzing’s Der Wildschütz, DG celebrates the 225th anniversary of composer’s birth and the 175th anniversary of his death. 

One of Lortzing’s best-loved comic operas, Der Wildschütz reflects his distinctive blend of wit, humanity and theatrical flair, portraying characters whose confusions, weaknesses and aspirations are observed with warmth and compassion. 

Premiered in Leipzig on New Year’s Eve 1842, the opera unfolds as a comedy of mistaken identities in which appearances are constantly deceiving. From the supposedly simple country maiden to the ambitious village schoolmaster dreaming of wealth, Lortzing creates a world in which no one remains entirely blameless and forgiveness ultimately prevails. 

This recording brings together some of the era’s most distinguished singers and character actors. Rita Streich and Kurt Böhme shine as Gretchen and Baculus, while Irmgard Seefried and Ernst Haefliger appear as Baroness Freimann and Baron Kronthal. Under the direction of Christoph Stepp, the Bamberger Symphoniker provide the ideal operatic counterpart, combining richly coloured orchestral sound with sparkling vitality. 

Listen to a pre-release track, the Overture of Der Wildschütz. The full album is released digitally on 24 July.