Discography

Die Tote Stadt
Munich Radio
1952

Paul Karl Friedrich
Marie/Marietta Maud Cunitz
Frank Benno Kusche
Fritz Hans Braun
Brigitta Lillian Benningsen

Conductor Fritz Lehmann


This version comes from a radio broadcast with the orchestra and choir of the Bayerischen Rundfunks. Lehmann gets a good answer from the orchestra, and this is a very analytic performance, with a nice instrumental texture.

Singing is not at the same level, unfortunately. The best one comes from Karl Friedrich, that with limited means is able to offer us a sober portrait of Paul. On the other hand Maud Cunitz, with similar vocal resources, sounds acid and out of tune.

Though the two main roles are the most important, Franck, Fritz and Brigitta are also key to a good performance. In this case, the first scene, of a fascinating beauty, between Frank and Brigitta is sung very poorly, and the rendition of "Mein Sehnen, mein Wähnen" by baritone Hans Braun is definately second (or even third) rate.

This is recommended only for lovers of Die Tote Stadt, though the orchestra is really good.

Overall: C

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Die Tote Stadt
Munich Radio
1975

Paul René Kollo
Marie/Marietta Carol Neblett
Frank Benjamin Luxon ...