Wagner: Wesendonck Lieder & Isoldes Liebestod/Brahms: Alto Rhapsody/Mahler: 5 Lieder - Ludwig,Klemperer

This compilation of recordings from the early 1960's celebrates the collaboration of two of the most widely honoured artists of the 20th century. Otto Klemperer (1885-1973) was an almost legendary name when in the post-war years he was brought before a largely new & eager public to conduct the Philharmonia, the orchestra created by the record producer & impressario Walter Legge to be the very instrument for a conductor of Klemperer's experience & insight. Christa Ludwig, born in Berlin in 1924, was a mezzo-soprano with most of her career still ahead of her but one who had already made a strong impression on an international public & (importantly for her prospects as a recording artist) on Legge himself, a man with a fine ear for singers but not the easiest person to please. Legge brought these two artists together initially for one of these recordings in this programme, Brahms' 'Alto Rhapsody'. Since that time, the pairing of Klemperer & Ludwig created some of the most wonderful recordings of orchestral songs & opera.