Kalman: Komm, Zigány! [Countess Mariza]

A singer of exceptional intelligence and style, the American Thomas Hampson has developed an operatic career that has taken him from Mozart, Rossini and the French composers of the 19th century to the grand roles of Verdi. In the field of song, he has explored a wide repertoire, ranging in this collection from Schubert, Schumann and Mahler to Grieg, Meyerbeer and the Americans Foster and Griffes.

Acclaimed Polish-born tenor Piotr Beczala pays tribute to the Austrian singer Richard Tauber (1891–1948), one of the most widely celebrated musical celebrities of his time. Recognized by many as one of the greatest tenors in the world, Piotr is regularly praised for his artistry, immaculate musicianship, keen interpretive intelligence, and flawless, elegant delivery. A perfectly cultivated and stylish singer, he is currently at the pinnacle of his career

A prominent exponent of popular song and operetta, Tauber’s career is closely associated with operetta’s golden age in pre-war Europe

In this recording Beczala shares his deeply honed affinity for this timeless, eternally popular music – a delightful recital of operetta favourites by Lehár, Kálmán, Robert Stolz, Johann Strauss II, among others – and continues the tradition set forth by legendary predecessors like Fritz Wunderlich and Nicolai Gedda

Features special guest appearances from Anna Netrebko (“Lippen schweigen”), The Berlin Comedian Harmonists, Avi Avital, Austrian soprano Daniela Fally and a unique “duet” with Richard Tauber himself, using special 21st century technology and a recorded master from 1934.

In Roma fairy tales, it is usually the devil who imbues Gypsy music with its inimitable vivacity. And when listening to Cigánski Diabli, you cannot help but believe it. The popularity of this Gypsy orchestra has crossed the borders of their native Slovakia into Moravia, Bohemia and much further afield. Of late, they have been giving concerts abroad with in creasing frequency – Germany (including at the Berliner Philharmoniker Hall), England, France, Canada, etc. The ensemble, made up of eight professional, classically trained musicians, has already received three platinum discs.

A traditional cimbalom band? Well, yes and no. They have, so to speak, many more strings to their bow: folk music (ranging from Slovak to Jewish), on occasions walking a tightrope between pop and jazz, at other times performing Haydn together with a “classical” pianist or a symphony orchestra. And since Brahms, Liszt and Dvořák were inspired by the “Gypsy style”, why not turn things on their head and play their music the Gypsy way?

With their characteristic virtuosity and vivacity, Cigánski diabli have entered the rarefied domain of classical music – yet in a manner entirely of their own and with arrangements not respecting the borders of genres. But what’s the use of borders when the music is of such splendour?

recorded in Alpha-Line Studio, Budapest, 16-31 January 1996