Just two weeks after Berlin fell to the Red Army in May 1945, Major General Nikolai Berzarin, the first military governor of Berlin, ordered that performances at the Berlin State Opera must immediately resume.
Historical Context
The construction of the Berlin Wall on August 13, 1961, forced the Staatsoper Unter den Linden to permanently discontinue performances, as many of its soloists, choral singers, and orchestra members were from West Berlin.
Notable Performances
The premiere of Gluck's Orpheus on September 8, 1945, at the Admiralspalast theatre, became a signal of hope in post-war Berlin, despite the original choice for the lead role, Margarete Klose, being indisposed.
Historical Context
Conductor Erich Kleiber returned to Berlin in 1951 after a sixteen-year absence and, moved by the ruins of the State Opera, secured a deal with Wilhelm Pieck, the first president of the German Democratic Republic, to rebuild the opera house at its original location.
Historical Context
After World War II, the lack of personnel was critical for the Berlin opera scene, as many had fled or were banned due to NSDAP (Nazi party) membership.
Recording & Production
This album is a compilation of works performed in 1987 as part of the festivities marking the 750th anniversary of the founding of Berlin, showcasing the Berlin State Opera's prowess during the 1980s.
Historical Context
The Berlin State Opera's traditional home on Unter den Linden, described by its architect in 1742 as 'like a magnificent palace,' was severely damaged by May 1945.
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