Description

Otto Nicolai: Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor) — Complete 2CD Opera Recording

Product Information

UPC: 76009805900
Product Type: 2CD Audio Set
Format: Digital Digital Disc [DDD]
Duration: Approximately 132 minutes (2 hours 12 minutes)
Language: German (Complete opera in German without spoken dialogues)
Genre: Classical Opera — Comic Opera (Komisch-phantastische Oper)
Libretto: Hermann Salomon Mosenthal, after William Shakespeare
Performers:
Orchestra: WDR Rundfunkorchester Köln
- Juliane Banse (Frau Fluth)
- Regina Klepper (Jungfer Anna Reich)
- Franz Hawlata (Sir John Falstaff)
- Heinz Zednik (Junker Spärlich)
- Dietrich Henschel (Herr Fluth)
- Wolfgang Bankl (Herr Reich)
- Andrea Bönig (Frau Reich)
- Jörg Dürmüller (Fenton)
- Alfred Sramek (Dr. Cajus)
Conductor: Helmuth Froschauer
Chorus: Landes Jugend Chor NRW (Youth Choir), conducted by Christiane Zywietz-Godland and Hermann Godland
Publisher: Delta Music GmbH (©2003)
Catalog Number: WDR 60094
Website: www.capriccioclassics.com

Overview

Otto Nicolai’s Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (The Merry Wives of Windsor) is a charming comic opera in three acts, masterfully blending fantasy and humor inspired by Shakespeare’s famous play. This complete 2CD recording presents the opera in German without spoken dialogues, preserving the full musical and theatrical experience.

The work’s libretto, by Hermann Salomon Mosenthal, transforms Shakespeare’s witty story into an engaging operatic form. The recording features an outstanding cast led by Juliane Banse and Franz Hawlata, with the expert direction of Helmuth Froschauer and the WDR Rundfunkorchester Köln. The youthful energy of the Landes Jugend Chor NRW adds an authentic and vibrant touch.

Included is a comprehensive booklet containing articles, the full libretto, and translations, making this edition accessible to both new listeners and opera enthusiasts.

Product Features

Format: 2 Audio CDs
Language: German (complete opera without spoken dialogue)
Duration: Approximately 132 minutes
Libretto: Includes complete text and translations in the booklet
Recording: Digital, high-quality [DDD]
Artists: Renowned soloists and full orchestra with youth choir
Genre: Comic Opera (Komisch-phantastische Oper)
Production: A co-production with Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln

Interesting Facts

Composer Background: Otto Nicolai (1810–1849) was a German composer best known for this opera, which is praised for its melodic inventiveness and comic characterizations.
Literary Basis: The opera’s libretto is adapted from Shakespeare’s play The Merry Wives of Windsor, bringing Elizabethan comedy to the operatic stage.
Unique Recording: This version omits spoken dialogues, focusing entirely on the sung parts, which offers a pure musical interpretation.
Youth Choir Involvement: The Landes Jugend Chor NRW, a distinguished youth choir, lends youthful vibrancy and depth to the choral sections.
Conductor: Helmuth Froschauer was well-known for his dedication to both opera and choral music, ensuring a dynamic and cohesive performance.

Track Listing

(Detailed track listing can be included here if available; otherwise note “Please refer to the enclosed booklet for complete track details.”)

Publishers

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Hashtags

English: #OttoNicolai #DieLustigenWeiberVonWindsor #MerryWivesOfWindsor #ComicOpera #GermanOpera #ClassicalOpera #HelmuthFroschauer #WDRRundfunkorchester #OperaRecording #ShakespeareOpera
German: #OttoNicolai #DieLustigenWeiberVonWindsor #KomischeOper #DeutscheOper #HelmuthFroschauer #WDRRundfunkorchester #Opernaufnahme #ShakespeareOper