HEINRICH SCHLUSNUS: A Baritone As A Superstar (10 CDS)

The German baritone Heinrich Schlusnus was one of the most loved singers of his generation during the first half of the 20th century. This 10-CD Documents set brings together recordings that cover the whole range of his varied repertoire, including opera, lieder, and popular song.

Heinrich Schlusnus (1888-1952) achieved a popularity during the thirty-five years of his career in Germany rivalled only by Italian tenors like Beniamino Gigli, but never once by a baritone. His career was initially held up by the advent of World War I in which he was severely wounded. However its impressive ascent began when he was engaged at the Berliner Hofoper in 1917, a house which he stayed true to until 1945, at which point it was long known as the Staatsoper. Away from Berlin his solo recitals as well as his recordings and radio appearances brought him in contact with an audience of millions. This 10-CD box set reveals the full range of his repertoire which apart from popular works includes exceptional rarities and a radio interview that was recorded a few weeks before his sudden death in 1952.

Personnel: Heinrich Schlusnus (baritone), Franz Rupp, Sebastian Peschko, Michael Raucheisen, Johannes Heidenreich, Otto Braun (piano), Staatskapelle Berlin, Hermann Weigert (conductor)