LORTZING Der Wildschütz (Highlights) / Ferdinand Leitner, Wolfgang Sawallisch | Deutsche Grammophon

With the first-ever digital release of this historic 1950s recording of Albert Lortzing’s Der Wildschütz, DG celebrates the 225th anniversary of the composer’s birth and the 175th anniversary of his death. A gifted double talent in literature and music, Lortzing drew on his experience as both actor and singer, creating works in which text and music are inseparably intertwined. His ability to combine popular appeal with artistic sophistication remains one of his greatest achievements.  Premiered in 1842, Der Wildschütz blends Rousseau-inspired ideals of nature, social criticism and witty satire on the Prussian court’s fascination with ancient Greece. With remarkable sensitivity to the social changes of its time, the opera even features the first appearance of the word “capitalist” on the operatic stage. Beneath its effortless charm lies a work of exceptional compositional craftsmanship.  This abridged recording is a fascinating historical document, combining performances recorded in Bamberg under Wolfgang Sawallisch (1953) with recordings from the Württemberg State Theatres under Ferdinand Leitner (1950). Featuring ensemble members Wolfgang Windgassen, Res Fischer and Lore Wissmann, it also offers the chance to rediscover the artistry of bass Georg Hann as Baculus, whom Hans Pfitzner described as “the finest comic character” in German opera.  The full album is released digitally on 28 August.  Listen to a pre-release track Fünftausend Taler from the second act of the opera.