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The Legacy of Fritz Wunderlich: One Performer's Perceptions of Selected Discography

Tenor Fritz Wunderlich (1930-1966), one of Germany's most famous lyric tenors, died in a tragic accident at the height of his career. Wunderlich's professional career lasted only slightly more than ten years, but he left behind a vocal legacy through his numerous recordings, and he has had a lasting influence on the interpretation of many standard works in the tenor repertoire. In the years preceding his death, his success in Mozartian opera roles helped create this legacy that would make him internationally famous, particularly his performances of Tamino [Die Zauberflöte] and Belmonte [Die Entführung aus dem Serail]. His opera repertoire expanded into heavier roles, such as Alfredo [Verdi's La traviata], Lenski [Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin], and Palestrina [Hans Pfiztner's Palestrina]. Wunderlich achieved equal success in oratorio and Lieder. His recordings and performances of the Evangelist and tenor soloist in Bach's two great Passions, as well as his interpretation of the tenor solos in Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde are revered. Wunderlich sang recital repertoire relatively late in his career. Many subsequent performers have modeled their interpretations of Schubert's Die schöne Müllerin and Schumann's Dichterliebe on his example. Fritz Wunderlich's legacy as one of the greatest tenors of the twentieth century is confirmed through the many audio recordings he made. An exploration of these recordings makes it possible to experience his unique voice, and to gain insight into his influence on the tenors who came after him. / A Treatise submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Doctor of Music. / Degree Awarded: Spring Semester, 2011. / Date of Defense: March 22, 2011. / Dies Bildniss ist bezaubernd schön, Ich baue ganz, Il mio tesoro, Wohin wohin, Adelaide / Includes bibliographical references. / Douglas Fisher, Professor Directing Treatise; Seth Beckman, University Representative; Matthew Lata, Committee Member.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_168220
ContributorsGerdes, Daniel Jon (authoraut), Fisher, Douglas (professor directing treatise), Beckman, Seth (university representative), Lata, Matthew (committee member), College of Music (degree granting department), Florida State University (degree granting institution)
PublisherFlorida State University
Source SetsFlorida State University
LanguageEnglish, English
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeText, text
Format1 online resource, computer, application/pdf

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