Johann Strauss

Die Fledermaus (incl. Gala Performance)

Julius Patzak

Hilde Gueden

Sieglinde Wagner

Anton Dermota

Wilma Lipp

Chorus of the Vienna State Opera

Wiener Philharmoniker

Clemens Krauss

Nimbus Prima Voce NI 7954/5 144m ADD mono (Rec in 1950)

This has always been the classic ‘Fledermaus’ performance and with the inclusion of the tear jerking
Gala Performance, one can only marvel what came out of Vienna in 1950 when the ravages and
privations of war still hung dark over the city. It is a triumphant performance in all departments.

Clemens Krauss is the perfect Straussian, he conducts with eminent feel for the music and brings that
old world atmosphere that has all but vanished from such performances. His team of soloists is one to
die for including Patzak, Gueden and Dermota at the very top of their careers and who wouldn’t want to
have them in any recording?

It is good that Nimbus have now branched out into the orchestral opera/operetta side instead of just
strictly recitals for their Prima Voce series which has taken on a new lease of life of late. As expected,
remastering is impeccable although the 1950 Decca recording was always quite good anyway. Highly
recommended to those who have missed this oft reissued performance last time round.