The recordings on this album, including works by Schütz and Buxtehude, are described as rarities in Wunderlich's repertoire, found only in this early series of Stuttgart radio productions.
Critical Reception
Fritz Wunderlich's performance in Bach's Christmas Oratorio in 1955 was praised by Kurt Honolka, a leading critic in Stuttgart, as an "unusually skilled in coloratura" solo singer.
Performer Biography
Fritz Wunderlich achieved a sensational breakthrough with Mozart's The Magic Flute on February 18, 1956, and had his first record productions and guest appearances in major European cities.
Interpretation
In the 1950s, Fritz Wunderlich was criticized by some church musicians for his 'sensual' and 'sumptuous' voice in sacred music, contrasting with the then-standard 'chaste Protestant tone'.
Performer Biography
Fritz Wunderlich, the tenor on this album, began his first opera engagement at the Württemberg State Theater in Stuttgart four and a half months before his 1955 Christmas Oratorio performance.
Performer Biography
Fritz Wunderlich was married to Eva Jungnitsch, the youngest harp player in the Stuttgart Opera Orchestra, in August 1956, and they had a daughter, Constanze, a year later.
Performer Biography
Fritz Wunderlich was a dedicated workaholic who also enjoyed his family life and hobbies like photography and amateur filmmaking, which revealed his personal perspective.
