Operetta

In 1975, Austrian composer Robert Stolz was in Berlin to conduct a recording of his music. During the session he was taken ill and died, two months short of his 95th birthday. It was the end of an incredible career as both conductor and composer. This double CD, issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death, contains performances of his music played over the years by the Kaiserslautern Radio Orchestra under a number of conductors. It features a broad cross-section of his work, ranging from the hit song "Servus Du," written in 1911, to music he wrote for the 1954 Vienna Ice Review. Operetta, film music (he won an Oscar for Spring Parade), songs, marches, and overtures--the selection gives a good idea of Stolz's range, despite some occasionally bland arrangements. Much more important is the second CD of Stolz himself conducting the orchestra in a selection of songs and arias. "Servus Du" is again included, sung this time by the smoky-voiced Linne Augustin, who demonstrates just what a fine composer Stolz was. --Richard Fawkes